BDO Seidman Security Experts for Analysis of Corporate Mail Center Security Procedures.

Business Editors

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 16, 2001

The events of the past week dramatically demonstrate how the mailroom is often the weak link in overall building security. It is common practice to have a security guard at the front entrance of a building to control the people who enter the premises. Yet, the same diligence is often not followed in the unprotected mail center. Lax mailroom security procedures can negatively impact a company's operation and, most importantly, its people.

Given last week's confirmed findings of letters containing anthrax at major corporations, businesses should be reviewing their risk management procedures and taking proactive steps to improve mail center security. According to Martin Biegelman, a director in the Fraud Investigation practice of BDO Seidman LLP, businesses need to:

-- Increase security by reducing access to the mail center. Only employees that
have been put through thorough background checks should have access.

-- Train mail center personnel on what red flags to look for in potentially
threatening letters and packages.

-- Establish a clear policy of who to notify once a threat has been identified
and how to physically handle the suspected package.

-- Conduct a threat assessment and implement a detailed security plan covering
personnel, physical layout and control procedures for the center.

Martin Biegelman is a former Postal Inspector who served 22 years with the United States Postal Inspection Service. The Postal Inspection Service is the law enforcement arm of the United States Postal Service. Mr. Biegelman currently trains law enforcement officers on fraud investigation. If you would like to speak with Marty to discuss this further, please do not hesitate to contact me at [phone].