Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Informational Bulletin
Suspicious Envelopes
Information Cutoff Date: November 12, 2009
Excessive
Postage
Peculiar
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IMPLICATIONS
Hoax or “white powder” incidents are more common since the 2001 anthrax attacks.
o The NYPD’s Emergency Services Unit (ESU) regularly responds to white powder hoax
letters in New York City.
The Postal Service uses a Biohazard Detection System in mail distribution and processing facilities
which alerts if anthrax is detected in the mail. Postal service mail travels through this system, but
hand-delivered, couriered, and mail delivered by private shipping companies do not.
Though most incidents are hoaxes, every incident should be treated as if it is real until determined
otherwise by the proper authorities.