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Suspicious Person & Suspicious Package Awareness Training

1. Purpose

This training helps employees:

• Recognize behaviors that may indicate a security concern
  
  

• Identify potentially suspicious packages or items
  
  

• Respond safely and appropriately
  
  

• Protect people, facilities, and operations
  
  

This is awareness training. Always follow your organization’s official emergency and security procedures.

2. Suspicious Person Awareness

Most people on your property are there for legitimate reasons. However, certain behaviors — not appearance — may signal a concern.

🚩 Behavioral Indicators (Focus on Actions, Not Demographics)

Be alert for individuals who:

• Loiter in restricted or unusual areas
  
  

• Attempt to access secured spaces without authorization
  
  

• Avoid identification or refuse to provide credentials
  
  

• Conduct surveillance (taking unusual photos/videos of security features, entrances, cameras, utilities)
  
  

• Ask detailed questions about security procedures, staffing, or vulnerabilities
  
  

• Try to bypass screening or checkpoints
  
  

• Appear nervous when approached by staff
  
  

• Leave a bag or item behind and quickly depart

3. How to Respond to a Suspicious Person

If the situation is non-threatening:

1. Remain calm and professional.
   
   

2. Notify security or a supervisor.
   
   

3. Observe and document:
   
   

   • Physical description
     
     

   • Clothing
     
     

   • Location
     
     

   • Behavior
     
     

   • Direction of travel
     
     

   • Time observed
     
     

If the person is acting aggressively or threatening:

• Do not confront.
  
  

• Move to a safe location.
  
  

• Call emergency services immediately.
  
  

• Follow lockdown or evacuation procedures if directed.

4. Suspicious Package Awareness

A suspicious package may be:

• Unattended in an unusual location
  
  

• Out of place for the environment
  
  

• Deliberately hidden
  
  

• Delivered unexpectedly without clear purpose
  
  

🚩 Warning Signs

• No return address
  
  

• Excessive postage
  
  

• Misspelled words
  
  

• Excessive tape or wires visible
  
  

• Strange odors
  
  

• Oily stains or leaking substances
  
  

• Unusual weight distribution
  
  

• Ticking or unusual sounds (rare but serious)
  
  

Remember: Many suspicious packages turn out to be harmless. However, treat every concern seriously.

5. If You Find a Suspicious Package

DO:

• Stay calm.
  
  

• Do not touch, move, open, or tamper with the item.
  
  

• Clear the immediate area.
  
  

• Prevent others from approaching.
  
  

• Notify security or emergency services immediately.
  
  

• Provide clear location details.
  
  

DO NOT:

• Use radios or cell phones near the item if instructed not to.
  
  

• Attempt to investigate on your own.
  
  

• Assume it is harmless.

6. Mail Handling Safety (If Applicable)

For mailroom or front desk staff:

• Use gloves when handling suspicious mail.
  
  

• Do not shake suspicious envelopes.
  
  

• If powder spills:
  
  

  • Do not touch your face.
    
    

  • Wash hands with soap and water.
    
    

  • Isolate the area.
    
    

  • Follow hazardous material protocols.

7. Evacuation or Lockdown

Follow official instructions from:

• Security
  
  

• Management
  
  

• Emergency responders
  
  

If evacuation is ordered:

• Leave belongings behind.
  
  

• Use nearest safe exit.
  
  

• Assist others if safe to do so.
  
  

• Report to designated assembly area.
  
  

• Do not re-enter until cleared.
  
  

If lockdown is ordered:

• Secure doors.
  
  

• Turn off lights.
  
  

• Stay out of sight.
  
  

• Remain quiet.
  
  

• Wait for official instructions.

8. Reporting Procedures

Report concerns immediately to:

• Security Office: [Insert Number]
  
  

• Supervisor: [Insert Contact]
  
  

• Emergency Services: 911 (or local equivalent)
  
  

Provide:

• What you observed
  
  

• Where it occurred
  
  

• When it occurred
  
  

• Description of person or object
  
  

Prompt reporting allows trained professionals to assess the situation quickly

9. Your Role in Security

Security is everyone’s responsibility.

• Stay alert.
  
  

• Trust your instincts.
  
  

• Report concerns — even if unsure.
  
  

• Never assume someone else has reported it.
  
  

If you see something, say something.

10. Training & Review

• Annual refresher training
  
  

• New hire orientation
  
  

• Periodic drills
  
  

• Scenario-based exercises
  
  

• Cost for this type of excerise depends on the amount of participants and the size of the facility.