The Postal Service is reminding employees and contractors of their duty to protect the sanctity and security of the mail.
Every day, USPS delivers medications, payments, correspondence, gifts and other important items. Employees should treat each letter and package with care and deliver mail to its destination on time.
Stealing, delaying or willfully destroying mail erodes the public’s trust in USPS and drives away customers.
Employees who tamper with the mail can lose their jobs and face criminal prosecution.
To help preserve the sanctity of the mail, managers and supervisors should:
• Regularly communicate mail delivery guidelines;
• Ensure employees have necessary supplies, equipment and training;
• Be aware of changes in employee behavior;
• Investigate customer complaints;
• Monitor undeliverable bulk business mail and mail returned from the street; and
• Review the Delivery Management System report daily.
Carriers who are having trouble delivering their assigned routes should speak with a supervisor.
The Employee Assistance Program is ready to assist Postal Service employees, including those experiencing personal issues that may be affecting their ability to properly perform their job duties.
Counselors are available 24/7 to provide free, confidential help and can be reached at 800-EAP-4YOU (800-327-4968) or EAP4YOU.com.
For more information on mail sanctity, employees can email the USPS Ethics Office or call 202-268-6346.
Mail tampering, destruction or theft should be reported to the USPS Office of Inspector General.
