If you receive or discover a suspicious package or device:

Do not touch it, tamper with it, or move it!

Immediately call the UIS Police 6-7777 OR 911 from a campus phone, or the UIS Police 206-7777 or 911 from a cell phone* or off campus phone
*Do not use a cell phone within 300 feet of the suspicious package.

What constitutes a suspicious letter or parcel?

Some typical characteristics which should trigger suspicion include letters or parcels that:

  • Have a powdery substance on the outside.
  • Are unexpected or from someone unfamiliar to you.
  • Have excessive postage.
  • Handwritten or poorly typed addresses, incorrect titles or titles with no name.
  • Misspellings of common words.
  • Are addressed to someone no longer with your organization or are otherwise outdated.
  • Have no return address or have one that can’t be verified as legitimate.
  • Are of unusual weight, given their size, or are lopsided or oddly shaped.
  • Have an unusual amount of tape.
  • Are marked with restrictive endorsements, such as “Personal” or “Confidential.”
  • Have strange odors or stains.

What to do if you receive a suspicious package or parcel:

  1. Handle with care. Do no shake or bump.
  2. Isolate it immediately.
  3. Don’t open, smell, touch or taste.
  4. Treat it as suspect. Call the UIS Police immediately.