The campus community is again reminded to pay close attention to any unusual packages that come through campus or U.S. mail. On June 30, Professor Tom Tyler, a social psychologist who specializes in legal psychology, received at his campus office a letter and manuscript from a man identified as the Unabomber.
After opening the manila envelope-sized package, Tyler contacted the university police, who turned the package over to the FBI.
"The letter is in response to comments I made about social malaise that appeared in May in the San Francisco Chronicle. I previously had had no contact with the Unabomber and was surprised to receive this document from him," said Tyler.
Capt. Bill Foley said police officials are continuing ongoing security measures, including extensive training about how to identify and handle suspicious packages to mailroom and custodial staffs and other university staff and faculty.
"What we really want to convey is, don't be embarrassed to call us. Nothing is silly. A package may or may not have all the characteristics we outline, but if you see something you believe is suspicious, give us a call. We respond to these on a regular basis," said Foley. University police can be reached at 642-6760.
Among tip-offs to potentially suspicious packages:
o Excessive postage
o No return address; mailed from foreign country
o Badly typed or written address
o Misspelled words
o Addressed to title only, or wrong title with name
o Protruding wires
o Oily stains on wrapper; strange odor
o Lopsided or uneven envelope or package
o Excessive tape or string wrapping
People should move away from the package and it should not be moved, opened or investigated too closely.
Vice Chancellor Horace Mitchell said the recent delivery of the letter caused no disruption to summer programs or other educational or research activities.
"The letter to Professor Tyler contained no threats to him or to others on campus. It was clearly an attempt to provide him information," said Mitchell.