crosseyedandpainless
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- Joined
- Mar 4, 2015
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Home > Contact Us > Frequently Asked Ques
3. What authority do Postal Inspectors have under the law?
As sworn federal law enforcement agents, Postal Inspectors have the power to serve warrants and subpoenas issued under the authority of the United States; make arrests without warrant for postal-related offenses committed in their presence; make arrests without warrants for postal-related felonies cognizable under the laws of the United States, if they have reasonable grounds to believe that the person arrested has committed or is committing such a felony; carry firearms, and make seizures of property as provided by law.
4. Can Postal Inspectors open mail if they feel it may contain something illegal?
First-Class letters and parcels are protected against search and seizure under the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution, and, as such, cannot be opened without a search warrant. If there is probable cause to believe the contents of a First-Class letter or parcel violate federal law, Postal Inspectors can obtain a search warrant to open the mailpiece. Other classes of mail do not contain private correspondence, and therefore may be opened without a warrant.
You are absolutely correct-- about the inspectors, sir. What I said was in your local PO no employee has the authority to open your mail.
MOST offices do not have 'resident' postal inspectors on site. They have to be called in... there ARE undercover inspectors-- that work in facilities-- especially the huge processing plants... to keep an eye on things, of if there is an employee under investigation-- but they are not many.
Even the inspectors executing warrants have to open the piece under supervision, with witnesses, to protect against one of THEM being crooked-- or tampering with evidence.