Safety and Security

Recognizing and Reporting Suspicious Activity

Personnel who work in research environments should be aware of the potential for sabotage and or threats from animal rights, anti-technology and environmental extremists. It is important to recognize suspicious activity and report it to security.

Suspicious activity that should be reported immediately to security:

• Unknown Individuals loitering in and around your building, laboratory, or office.
• Inquiries regarding animal or technological research from individuals or organizations you do not know.
• Inquiries regarding the locations of animal or technological research facilities.
• Individuals who exhibit extreme curiosity or interest in your research or research facility.
• Any unknown vehicles parked at your facility for an extended period of time.

 When reporting suspicious activity to the police:

• In an emergency situation dial 4454.0999 from within Education City or 999 from outside Education City.
• Provide the police with detailed information about the incident.
• Provide a detailed description of the individual or individuals involved.
• If a vehicle is involved, provide information regarding the license plate number, make, model, and color.
• If possible, provide any associated phone numbers or copies of suspicious emails or voice mail recordings.

Researcher personal protection strategies:

• Ensure all laboratory work areas are appropriately secured and locked down before leaving the area.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Contact security regarding any suspicious persons or activities near your residence or workplace.
• Never open your residential or office door without knowing who is on the other side.
• If someone comes to your home or office stating that he/she is a police officer, utility company worker, etc., ask to see identification. If you are unsure, call the agency they represent and verify their identity.
• Ensure all animal care areas are locked down.
• Do not touch any suspicious packages and report them immediately to the security at 4423.0097 while on campus or your local law enforcement agency if at home.
• Immediately report all suspicious inquiries about animal research or inquiries about locations of research facilities to the security.

What to look for and what to do if you receive a suspicious letter or package

What to look for — suspicious letter indicators:

• no return address
• restrictive markings (personal, special delivery, etc.)
• possibly mailed from a foreign country
• excessive postage
• misspelled words
• addressed to title only or incorrect title
• badly typed or written

What to look for — suspicious package indicators:

• similar characteristics of a suspicious letter
• wrong title or name
• lopsided or uneven package
• rigid or bulky
• protruding wires
• strange odor
• oily stains, discoloration or crystallization on wrapper
• excessive tape or string

Steps for handling a suspicious unopened letter or package:

• Handle with care; do not shake or bump the contents of the envelope or package.
• Isolate the envelope or package and look for indicators.
• Don’t open — treat it as suspect.
• Leave the room and close the door or section off the area; keep others from entering.
• Report the incident immediately to Texas A&M University at Qatar security (4423.0097).
• Make a list of all people in the room or area when the letter or package was recognized; provide the list to responding security.