14 December 2011

Stephen M. Apatow
Founder, Director of Research & Development
Humanitarian Resource Institute (UN:NGO:DESA)
Humanitarian University Consortium Graduate Studies
Center for Medicine, Veterinary Medicine & Law
Phone: 203-668-0282
Email: s.m.apatow@humanitarian.net
Internet: www.humanitarian.net

H-II OPSEC
Url: www.H-II.org

Pathobiologics International
Internet: www.pathobiologics.org



H-II - CEO Handbook: Parcel Bomb Defense

The recent "Letter bomb sent to Deutsche Bank chief," [1] the "Package bomb at Greek Embassy in Paris," [2] and "Letter bomb that exploded at Italy's tax office," [3]  has prompted increased security measures across the globe. 

Letter bombs sent through the mail addressed to key European economic figures rattled the global financial industry last week, sending a wave of fear over corporate executives that a similar situation could be easily replicated in the U.S. -- CEO Handbook: Parcel Bomb Defense: Fox Business News. [4]

In the context of this discussion, review of the following resources might be of interest:

Publication 166 - U.S. Postal Inspection Service Guide to Mail Center Security: March 2008
Url: http://about.usps.com/publications/pub166/
Note: This guide is intended for USPS mail center supervisors and employees.  This resource provides a template for analysis of mail center security for organizations classified as high risk.

U.S. Postal Inspection Service Guide to Mail Center Security Introduction Assess Your Risk Level Review Mail Handling and Processing Appoint a Mail Center Security Coordinator Train Your Mail Center Staff Secure Your Mail Center From Theft Federal Protection of the Mail Protect Your Business from Package Bombs and Bomb Threats Protect Your Mail Center from Chemical, Biological, or Radiological Threats Additional Protective Measures for High-Risk Facilities Quick Reference Publications for Mail Center Security Additional Resources Conclusion

Additional Resources:

• International Disaster Information Network: The IDIN project was developed in cooperation with the FEMA Preparedness, Exercises & Training Directorate in 1999, building upon the foundation established by the U.S. State Department (for a Global Disaster Information Network: GDIN) in the early 90's. Humanitarian Resource Institute. Url: http://www.humanitarian.net/idin
  
• Pathobiologics International - The Consulting Arm of Humanitarian Resource Institute and the Humanitarian University Consortium: National Academy of Sciences has recognized Humanitarian Resource Institute (HRI) as one of nine leading educational and research institutions. Url: http://www.pathobiologics.org/groundzero.html

References:

1. Letter Bomb Sent to German Bank Chief: New York Times, 8 December 2011. Url: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/09/world/europe/letter-bomb-sent-to-german-bank-chief.html?_r=1
2. Package bomb at Greek Embassy in Paris: MSNBC, 12 December 2011. Url: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45641433
3. Letter bomb explodes at Italian tax office: Boston Globe, 1o December 2011. Url: http://articles.boston.com/2011-12-10/news/30502481_1_letter-bomb-package-bombs-italian-anarchist-group
4. CEO Handbook: Parcel Bomb Defense: Fox Business News. 12 December 2011. Url: http://www.foxbusiness.com/industries/2011/12/09/guidelines-to-protect-companies-from-threat-parcel-bombs/

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