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embezzlement by postal employees; and thefts from house, apartment, or U.S. Postal Service mailboxes.
Postal Inspectors also investigate cases of fraud involving use of the U.S. mail. These acts, which cheat
citizens from all walks of life, include land, charity, and advance-fee schemes; chain letters and lotteries;
nonaccredited correspondence schools; and insurance, banking, and credit-card frauds. The result has
been the elimination of many fraudulent or borderline operations that cheat the public.
Illegal narcotics traffic is another target of Postal Inspectors who investigate cases of suspected
movement of drugs, narcotics, and other controlled substances through the U.S. mail and who work
closely with other federal agents in efforts to halt such traffic. Postal Inspectors also probe incidents
involving bombs or incendiary devices dispatched through the mail system or directed at properties of
the U.S. Postal Service as well as investigate extortion attempts, illegal transport of concealable firearms,
and obscene materials sent through the mail.
Once assigned to a case, Postal Inspectors collect, assemble, and evaluate all available data and
determine a course of action. Employing professional investigative techniques, they question witnesses
and victims to develop leads and identify suspects. Crime laboratory services are used to analyze certain
types of evidence that may help in tracing or identifying suspects. Suspects are sometimes kept under
surveillance, or stakeouts may be used to locate others involved in a case. Postal Inspectors are armed and
empowered by law to apprehend, interrogate, and arrest suspects. They are also authorized to serve
warrants and subpoenas to persons involved in a case. All of these powers are restricted to the enforcement
of laws covering illegal use of the mail, properties of the United States in the custody of the U.S. Postal
Service, or other postal offenses. However, these powers are valid even if the Postal Inspector is not on
U.S. Postal Service property. Postal Inspectors make comprehensive oral and written reports of data and
evidence gathered in a case and submit them to supervisory personnel for evaluation. They work closely
with U.S. Attorneys in preparing and prosecuting cases and are often called upon to give testimony during
court proceedings.
The next area of responsibility dealt with by Postal Inspectors involves audits, which are investigations
aimed at evaluating postal operations and identifying problems within the system itself. Using thorough
investigative methods, Postal Inspectors determine whether the Postal Service is operating according to
postal laws and regulations and in the best interests of the public. They also determine whether postal
revenues are adequately protected and used economically. The results of these audits are often beneficial:
They lead to reductions in operating costs and increases in management effectiveness in such areas as
customer service, mail handling, financial operations, data systems, and work methods and procedures.
Security and administrative functions make up the last area dealt with by Postal Inspectors.
Background and security investigations of designated personnel make certain that postal service
standards are met. Effectiveness of fire, safety, and security systems used in postal facilities are evaluated,
and surveys are conducted to determine whether improvements can be introduced. In cases of disaster
such as floods, fires, and air or train wrecks, Postal Inspectors direct activities of mobile response units
composed of postal security personnel responsible for recovering mail and providing security against
theft or looting.
Working Conditions
People considering this career area must be willing to accept certain basic features of the work. Initial
work assignments are not made in the applicant's locality, and the individual must be willing to accept
an appointment wherever the greatest need is at any time throughout his or her career. Because Postal
Inspectors must respond to emergency situations, they are subject to call at any time and often work
irregular hours. In addition, the work involves a substantial amount of travel and time away from home.
In extreme cases, Postal Inspectors may remain on extended duty but are not eligible for overtime, night
differential, or other types of premium pay. However, in the absence of special circumstances, they are
