Security Consultant's Perspective...

Regardless of your type of business, size or location, the threat of workplace violence and terrorism is all around us these days. It could involve you, your employees and your business at any time. Protective Measures seem a bit of theatrics yet failure to be vigilant or to exercise due diligence could result in a disaster or a civil suit. I believe protecting the workforce is a never-ending task of vigilance, awareness and training. Protecting the Mail Rooms and educating your workforce is all part of the workplace security process. All employees should be given a security awareness briefing on the topic of handling suspicious pieces of mail and Mail Room Security Procedures.

The Mail Room Threat...

The handling and processing of incoming mail today remains a businesses weakest point. Incoming mail is not routinely isolated as a matter or protective measures, delivery personnel are not being restricted from building access, employees may or may not know what to look for and what to do when handling suspicious packages or letters, there are no control points restricting access by all, and letters and packages to senior officers are not given extra precautionary attention. It is unlikely that mailroom employees are cleared, are familiar with basic security procedures or that they have been trained to recognize and handle suspicious packages and letters. The potential nightmare remains the lack of security awareness, the recognition of suspicious mail and what to look for and what to do.

Recommendations...

Supervisors and managers should insure that some form of security awareness be incorporated into the day-to-day operations. All employees should at a minimum know the basic mail handling security measures. It does not take much time to impart information to a group of employees using the "Stand-up Talk", a technique used by the Postal Service very effectively to provide information to employees without disrupting the operations. Normally the "Stand-up Talk" lasts between 15 - 20 minutes. The "Stand-up Talks are quite an effective method of communications in this way.

What to do in case of a suspicious piece of mail...?

This area requires paying attention to details and discipline. If you notice a suspicious letter or package during routine mail handling or if you've received a piece of suspicious mail, take the following steps: don't handle it, evacuate the premises but, certainly the area around the piece and do follow your security plan by notifying supervisors and the appropriate emergency service personnel listed in the security plan.

Felix P. Nater is the President of Nater Associates, Ltd a Security Management Practice offering prospective clients Integrated Workplace Security Solutions, specializing in Workplace Violence Intediction, Security Policy and Plans. I believe in providing clients what they need and not what I want to give them.