If you observe a suspicious package while on duty, what is the best procedure to follow?

When encountering a suspicious package while on duty, the best procedure to follow is to call 911 and activate the non-fire emergency plan. This response is crucial for several reasons.

First, calling 911 ensures that trained professionals are alerted to the situation, who can assess the threat effectively and take appropriate action. This includes deploying bomb squads or specialized units that are trained in handling potentially dangerous items.

Activating the non-fire emergency plan ensures that protocols already established for such incidents are followed, which may involve evacuating the area, isolating the package, and ensuring public safety.

Attempting to open the package or ignore it could lead to dangerous situations, including exposure to hazardous materials or devices. Moving the package to a different location may also pose risks, as the contents could be volatile or harmful. Therefore, involving authorities through emergency channels is the safest and most responsible action to take in this scenario.