The 4 C's for a Suspicious Item
Last updated: 6 Jul 2026Reviewed by Ms. Rubab Nizami, Lead AVSEC Faculty
In short
The 4 C's are the drill for a suspicious item: Confirm it looks suspicious, Clear the area of people, Cordon off the location, and Control access while you wait for the experts. The one thing you never do is touch or move the item.
- The 4 C's
- Confirm · Clear · Cordon · Control
- Never
- Touch or move the item
What are the 4 C's for a suspicious item?
The 4 C's are Confirm, Clear, Cordon and Control. Confirm the item is genuinely suspicious and unattended; Clear people away from it; Cordon off the area so no one enters; and Control access while trained responders are called. You never touch it.
| Step | What you do |
|---|---|
| Confirm | Check it is suspicious and unattended |
| Clear | Move people away |
| Cordon | Seal off the area |
| Control | Keep access controlled; call the experts |
What should you never do with a suspicious item?
Never touch, move, open or cover the item, and never use a radio or phone right next to it. Your job is to keep people away and alert the trained responders — not to investigate the item yourself.
At a glance
- 4 C's = Confirm, Clear, Cordon, Control.
- Never touch or move the item.
- Keep people away and call trained responders.
Quick answers
What does the first C stand for?
Confirm — check the item is genuinely suspicious and unattended.
Should I move a suspicious bag to a safer place?
No. Never touch or move it. Clear the area and report it.