Tuesday, September 18, 2001

TCU post office workers receive security training
By Aaron Chimbel
Staff Reporter

TCU post office workers were instructed on how to handle suspicious packages Friday morning by U.S. Postal Service supervisors from the Trinity River Station.

The meeting was in response to the events in New York and Washington, said Glen Hulme, mailing services manager.

Jerry Martin, customer service supervisor for Trinity River station, said domestic stamped mail weighing 16 ounces or more and international packages receive the most scrutiny.

Training sessions like the one Friday are normally only required for employees that work in the retail windows, Hulme said. Because of the seriousness of what happened in New York and Washington his entire staff of 10 non-students was asked to attend. The 35 students who work in the post office did not attend. Hulme said the TCU post office staff inform the student workers.

Caleb Williams - Skiff Staff Mail packages wait to be sorted by TCU postal employees Monday. Employees were trained in federal security procedures Friday in response to the terrorist attacks.

Teresa Minneweather, station manager for Trinity River, said the meeting with TCU postal workers was to discuss precautionary measures and not to scare workers.

“Awareness is definitely the key now,” she said.

Hulme said that the meeting has helped to reinforce what he and his staff have already had in place.

Each month the TCU post office submits a self review to Martin to ensure safety practices are being met, Hulme said.

Martin said he is trying to get video cameras installed at TCU mail windows so if someone did send a dangerous package from TCU they could be identified. The cost of the cameras would have to be approved by the Postal Service, he said.

Hulme said he would be in favor of adding the cameras.

Minneweather also told the post office staff that although previously guaranteed mail may not be arriving as scheduled due to air travel restrictions, no refunds will be given. The Postal Service is using ground transportation to supplement air travel, she said.

Junior elementary education major Laurie Oberhausen said she was worried whether a package she sent to her father in Indiana last week would make get there. She said it arrived fine.

“I think everyone is understanding about things getting through,” she said.

Aaron Chimbel
a.a.chimbel@student.tcu.edu