Suspicious package advisory from Campus Community Police
By Jasmine Ball
Lance Writer
December 10, 2008
 Due to recent suspicious package threats at Ryerson University, the University of Windsor’s Campus Community Police wish to remind students to be cautious of unusual packages.
According to an advisory released on Dec. 6 by Campus Community Police, there has been an increasing amount of concern about the use of the mail to deliver potentially dangerous substances.
“Government and law enforcement officials have urged the public to use common sense in assessing the suspicious nature of packages,” the statement read, adding to bear in mind that the targeting of University of Windsor locations for this type of threat is extremely remote.
On Oct. 27 at Ryerson University, an envelope containing white powder was slipped under a doorway in an office of Jorgenson Hall. The building was closed for several hours while police, hazardous materials specialists, a chemical-biological threat unit, and medical authorities investigated the scene, tested the powder, and quarantined the people who came in contact with the package. It was concluded that the substance was not harmful and the building was reopened.
If a similar case should occur at the University of Windsor, some things to watch for in parcels are: protruding wires, aluminum foil, oil, or grease stains; odour; the emission of unusual noises, such as buzzing, ticking, or sloshing; a powdery substance on the letter or parcel; suspicious return addresses; a misspelled or inaccurate address or title; and excessive taping or binding. These are just some of the precautions given by Campus Police.
Advisory posters listing potential characteristics of dangerous packages are available online through the Campus Crime Alerts section of the Campus Community Police website, and officers advocate printing the poster for display or looking at the website for a complete list of dangers to watch for.
If you receive a package, Campus Community Police requests that you remain calm and notify a supervisor; do not try to open the parcel or determine what it contains – do not smell or shake the package; isolate the parcel and leave the area and prevent others from entering; wash your hands immediately; call Campus Community Police at extension 911 and report the suspicious package. Campus Community Police, in conjunction with other local safety services, would handle the situation from there.
Campus Community Police officers are appointed as special constables and serve as police and security forces on the University of Windsor campus. According to Campus Community Police authorities, crime alerts are issued when there is reason to encourage increased awareness of potential threats due to recent incidents. It is advised that students check these alerts online in order to take steps to avoid becoming victims of prevalent crimes.
Serious threats are now being communicated through UWindsor Alert. This Mir3 System would inform all students signed up for the service of threats on campus through email, text message, or cell phone.
Campus Community Police encourages students to sign up for this alert system, as preparedness in emergency situations is crucial.
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