Terrorism in the mail: a threat to be managed

Terrorism through the mail has shown no signs of disappearing. Mail bombs, envelopes containing razor blades, dead animals, compounds bearing killer diseases... The variety of hazardous items is endless. In the UK, hazardous mail is sent on a daily basis to all types of people and organisation, many of whom are in no way engaged in controversial activities.

What companies really need is a set of guidelines outlining how to be prepared for any eventuality, and what measures they need to take. One place where security managers can find information on this issue is by way of a hazardous mail awareness training course.

Don't fail to act now
Another issue to bear in mind is that a receiver of unwelcome mail – be it an individual or a company – rarely publicises the fact. Only a fraction of such incidents are reported in the media in order to avoid raising awareness of a given company's profile, and thereby risk provoking further attacks. Due to this lack of publicity many companies believe that attacks through the mail are rare and not a risk. Health and Safety at Work legislation requires consideration to be given to such matters, but any company that fails to recognise the threat will fail to act.

It's a worrying trend that security is tightened and the necessary budgetary approval given after an incident has been publicised, rather than before. For instance, fire extinguishers and first aid facilities are ubiquitous in all organisations, regardless of their frequency of use. So why should such a reactive attitude persist towards dangerous mail?

Be pro-active, not reactive
Possible reasons could be that the threat is still not perceived as a serious issue. Those who are most at risk are the staff who open or handle the mail. However, those who make the buying decision are not usually in this category.

The challenge for in-house security managers is to raise awareness among the decision-makers in the organisation – even in times of apparent safety.

Security managers will remember that, following the September 11 attacks and the subsequent Anthrax-in-letters attacks, all companies placed both mail and entry security at the top of their list of priorities. However, a few months of quietness on the terrorism front has given way to complacency.

It’s a worrying trend that security is tightened and the budgetary approval given after an incident has been publicised, rather than before

Looking a tad closer at recent newspaper articles (and taking into account the current political climate) reveals that we have not seen the last of terrorism yet. Iraqi retaliation, pro-hunting and animal rights extremists are just some examples of possible purveyors of terrorism in the mail.

Pinpointing where that mail will come from is far from an exact science. We can only guess, but there are certain steps that security professionals can take in order that their employers are prepared for any eventuality.

Make use of x-ray screeners
The most effective means of screening mail is to use an x-ray screening unit. Dangerous items are immediately visible, and action can be taken to deal with the matter. A decision can then be made on whether or not to evacuate the premises, call in the bomb squad officers and/or the police or simply proceed with caution. This last process, of course, would mean minimal disruption in the postroom.

With the right equipment, procedures and training – which can easily be acquired – problem mail may be fully controlled.