COMMUNITY SAFETY

SUBJECT:  Security Measures

Due to heightened apprehension over potential anthrax exposure via mail, I want to reassure the campus community that our mail and campus safety services are undertaking specific measures to address these concerns.

Some of the safety measures instituted at Mail Services include:
*Requiring employees to wear name badges
*Limiting access to the Mail Services facility
*Picking up mail from recognized stops only
*Reviewing all parcels according to the U.S. Postal Service guidelines (see below)

How you can help: Mail Services suggests several ways UCSD employees and students can help the effort to guard against suspicious mail.
*Do not hand-deliver mail to Mail Services vehicles or delivery personnel.
*Address all outbound mail properly, with a full, return address that includes name, department, and mail code.

If you receive a suspicious-looking package, call University Police at (858) 534-4357 and follow these guidelines:
1. Do not open the package.
2. Isolate the package and evacuate the immediate area.
3. Do not put the package in water or a confined space such as a drawer or filing cabinet.
4. If possible, open windows in the immediate area to provide ventilation.
5. Do not hesitate to call University Police immediately. Do not worry about potential embarrassment. Your concern could save lives.

You may review the above information at anytime by going to http://blink.ucsd.edu/go/mailsecurity

Campus Environment, Health and Safety and the Police Department have developed a protocol for responding to "suspicious" mail reports. It should be noted that the mere act of opening an envelope or package containing a suspected anthrax agent or walking through settled material would generally not result in an aerosol of the agent.

If you have questions or concerns, please call either University Police, (858) 534-4357, or ask to speak to a supervisor at Mail Services, (858) 534-1164.

                                                Maudie Bobbitt
                                                Chief of Police