Handling suspect mail

Don't

• Touch the item
• Immerse in water
• Place in a confined space
• Carry through an office area

Remember! The article may contain hazardous material.

All Australian police services have a protocol and process to deal safely with the article – This may include a police response, bomb team attendance and fire brigade involvement.

Do

• Check with the addressee – was the item expected
• Isolate the item
• Consider evacuation of the premises
• Consider forensic evidence, fingerprints, postmarks etc
• Call police on
  • Emergency 000
  • Police to attend 131444
  • Protection Liaison Officers 02 61316310 (in Canberra) or
  • Local police in your state or territory

Threatening mail

Don't

• Fold or crease the item
• Handle the item or envelope unnecessarily
• Immerse in water

Do

• Place the item in clean protective covering
  • Plastic sleeve
  • Envelope
  • Crush proof container (document to remain unfolded)
• Identify who has handled the document and note for police
• Call police (as above)

Threatening phone calls

Don't

• Argue with the caller
• Don't become angry yourself
• Debate the issue

Do

• Note the nature of the threat
• Record the words used
• Callers name and address
• Background noise
• Accent, angry or sad
• Male or female
• Record the incoming call number if possible (caller ID)
• Note the time and date of call

Documents

• Additional information from the Australian Federal Police on suspicious packages [PDF 924 KB]