USPS is reminding employees that the sanctity of the mail is central to its mission as a government service and to its brand as a business.
This means that mail must always be delivered as addressed and as promised, and never be opened, stolen, damaged, discarded or delayed.
When employees violate the sanctity of mail:
• The public’s trust in the Postal Service is undermined.
• Customers don’t receive important bills, medications and personal correspondence.
• Businesses lose money and customers, which jeopardizes their employees’ jobs.
Employees can be dismissed and criminally prosecuted for violating the sanctity of the mail.
Employees who have questions should call the ethics helpline at 202-268-6346 or send an email to ethics.help@usps.gov.
The Postal Service is observing Ethics Awareness Week from Aug. 16-22.
