What Are the Postal Police in 2024?
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) delivers over 470 million pieces of mail per day, making it critical infrastructure needing effective security. The postal police, with over 1,500Postal Inspectors nationwide, handle this vital role. As federal agents, they conduct complex investigations into postal crimes that threaten the system‘s integrity or misuse it for dangerous purposes.
What Do the Postal Police Do?
The United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) is the security and integrity arm of the USPS. Postal Inspectors‘ key responsibilities include:
Investigating postal crimes – Inspectors probe offenses like mail frauds stealing billions, narcotics traffickers using the mail, or violent robberies targeting postal truck shipments. With jurisdiction over postal channels, they initiate investigations, gather evidence and prepare prosecution.
Protecting postal infrastructure – Securing mail processing facilities from threats of sabotage, explosives or biological attacks. Conducting risk audits on postal buildings, vehicles and drop boxes vulnerable to threats.
Securing the mail network – As America‘s universal mail service provider, USPS channels deliver everything from correspondence to medications, checks and confidential data for citizens daily. Inspectors apply security protocols and technology allowing this vital delivery system to integrity.
Defending postal employees – USPS has over 500,000 employees interacting with the public daily. When clerks or mail carriers face armed assaults, threats of violence or other crimes, Inspectors lead investigations to capture and prosecute attackers.
Working with law enforcement – Postal Inspectors collaborate closely with local police, prosecutors and federal agencies like the FBI and Homeland Security during investigations. Over 200 federal laws empower them to conduct surveillance, make arrests and prepare criminal cases for court.
With mail volumes in 2022 surpassing 107 billion pieces, postal inspectors handled over 5,000 arrests and over $10 billion in fines and restitutions that year. Their presence across America provides localized security supporting universal mail services.
What Are Postal Crimes?
Postal crimes occur when the mail system is misused for criminal purposes or employees/assets are targeted. Major categories include:
| Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Mail Theft | Stealing mail or packages from collection boxes |
| Financial Fraud | Fake lotteries or prizes using the mail to collect money |
| Identity Theft | Diverting mail or fraudulent address changes to steal personal information |
| Prohibited Mail | sending illegal guns, drugs or hazardous materials |
| Physical Attacks | Violent crimes targeting postal infrastructure or employees |
| Revenue Fraud | Using fake postage, misrepresenting package contents to pay less |
In 2022 over 8,500 mail theft cases were investigated. Financial frauds also increased to 9,300 cases, as scammers exploited citizens with fake COVID postal deliveries. Common problems like package theft from porches can also trigger federal Inspector investigations.
Their broad authority covers both localized crimes and billion dollar fraud schemes misusing the public mail channels.
Are Postal Police Real Police Officers?
Yes – Postal Inspectors are sworn federal officers equal to FBI, DEA or IRS agents. Their law enforcement authority includes:
- Carrying firearms both on and off-duty.
- Making warrantless arrests for crimes violating federal laws.
- Preparing investigative cases for federal prosecution.
- Serving subpoenas and federal search warrants.
Inspectors must complete extensive training in criminal investigation techniques, firearms usage plus defensive tactics at the U.S. Postal Police Training Academy. Their police authority makes them a unique federal agency able to enforce security, drive investigations and make arrests to protect nationwide mail services.
How Do You Become a Postal Police Officer?
The hiring process involves multiple assessments testing investigative aptitude, postal knowledge and physical fitness:
Requirements
- U.S. citizen aged 21-36 years old
- Hold a bachelor‘s degree
- Have a valid driver‘s license
- No felony convictions or domestic violence charges
- Vision, hearing and speech within defined limits
Assessment Stages
- 4-part online postal exam testing logic, observation and investigative skills
- Drug screening and medical/fitness exam
- Panel interview with experienced postal inspectors
- Firearms, driving and control tactics tests
- Polygraph and background investigation
The full hiring process takes approximately 9 months. Candidates passing all stages are placed in a hire pool for 2 years.
Competition is extremely high – less than 1% of applicants typically make it through the entire process. Those selected must complete 12 weeks preparatory training before starting field assignments.
Conclusion
As America‘s postal service delivers to 160 million addresses daily, the need for a dedicated security force protects its integrity. Postal Inspectors serve as "postal police" – sworn federal agents harnessing an array of investigative and law enforcement powers to safeguard infrastructure, employees and the all-important mail. Their presence across America drives the safety and stability of our universal mail delivery system.
