Suspicious Mail Questionnaire
for use by law enforcement officers

Victim

• Obtain the name, date of birth, address, and telephone number of victim.
• Is the envelope at a residence or business? If it is a business, obtain business name, address, and type of business.
• What is the occupation/employment of the victim? What are the victim's duties?
• Has the victim received threats by mail or telephone before? If yes, give details. Why does the victim think that he/she would be targeted?

Envelope

• Who or what is listed as the addressee on the envelope?
• Who or what is listed as the return address on the envelope? Is the victim familiar with the sender?
• Is the envelope typewritten or handwritten?
• Does the envelope have a postmark" Where?
• Does the envelope have a stamp? What kind of stamp? How many? Is there a meter strip?
• What kind of envelope (business, personal, etc.)?
• How was the envelope sealed (tape, adhesive, etc.)?
• Are there any additional markings on the exterior of letter?
• Are there any stains on the exterior of the letter" Describe.
• Letter
• Obtain summary of content of letter.
• Is there an overt threat contained within the letter? Provide exact wording. If yes, notify the FBI.
• Are there any stains visible on the letter"
• Off-white, white or yellowish tan powder? If yes, notify the FBI.

How To Identify Suspicious Packages And Letters

• Off-white or yellowish powder Do Not Touch - Notify FBI and fire department
• Threat-specific - Do Not Touch - Notify the FBI and fire department
• Excessive postage
• Handwritten or poorly-typed addresses
• Incorrect titles
• Title, but no name
• Misspellings of common words
• Oily stains, discolorations or odor
• No return address
• Excessive weight
• Lopsided or uneven envelope
• Protruding wires or aluminum foil
• Excessive security material such as masking string, etc.
• Visual distractions
• Ticking sound
• Marked with restrictive endorsements, such as "Personal" or "Confidential"
• Shows a city or state in the postmark that does not match the return address

Safety Considerations

• Do not touch or transport powders or liquid. Notify the fire department for handling.
• Do not transport packages. Notify the fire department or Bomb Squad.
• Transport only to the designated storage facility.
• Place only in clear plastic zip-lock bag.
• Clearly ID all items with a police incident number.
• Place the gloves you used in a Ziploc bag.

[back to main Terrrorist page]