Reporting suspicious packages

  • Published
  • By Stefan T. Bocchino
  • 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
Kirtland Air Force Base, NM --  Over the next few weeks, Kirtland Airmen will be in high gear preparing for the upcoming Operational Readiness Inspection. During this time, people will be hyper-vigilant for anything out of the ordinary.

However, people should not just be vigilant in times of inspection, because military bases are always under threat and people should therefore always be vigilant.

Below are some tips and programs on vigilance and reporting procedures.

"When your office receives a package, pay attention to indicators such as excessive postage, incorrect titles or no name, common words misspelled, oily stains, lopsided weight or protruding wires," said Amy Pearson, 377th Air Base Wing Anti-terrorism officer. "If any of these are present, it might mean that something is wrong and precautions must be taken."

A few basic tips on how to handle a suspicious package include:
· Do not shake or empty the contents of a suspicious package or envelope.
· Do not sniff, touch, taste or look closely at it or any contents that may have spilled.
· Do not carry the package or envelope, show it to others or allow others to examine it.
· Alert others in the area about the suspicious package or envelope.
· Leave the area, close any doors and take actions to prevent others from entering the area. If possible, shut off the ventilation system.
· Wash hands with soap and water to prevent spreading potentially infectious material to face or skin.
· If at work, notify a supervisor or a security officer and call 911. If at home, call 911.

The Eagle Eyes program is in place for people to use and report suspicious activity. The watchword is to watch, report and protect. This program is run by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.

The first thing, according to the program, is to know what to watch for. This includes watching for people conducting surveillance, elicitation, tests of security, acquiring supplies, suspicious or out of place persons, dry runs and deploying assets.

If you see something make sure to speak up.
Call AFOSI at 846-0999 or the Law Enforcement desk at 846-7913.