Postal Facts - U.S. Postal Service
We protect you and your mail.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is the federal law enforcement, crime prevention, and security arm of the U.S. Postal Service. Founded by Benjamin Franklin and established on August 7, 1775, the Inspection Service is one of the nation’s oldest federal law enforcement agencies.
USPS
POSTAL
INSPECTION SERVICE
Enforcing the law. Established Aug. 7, 1775.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service enforces federal laws, prevents crimes and keeps customers, employees and the mail safe.
FIRST
African American Inspector
The first known African American postal inspector was Isaac Myers, Baltimore, MD, 1870.
14 kilos
of fentanyl seized
In 2021, Postal Inspectors seized more than 14 kilograms of fentanyl and fentanyl analogues. Inspectors also uncovered more than 80 packages containing synthetic opioids.
2,113
synthetic opioid seizures
The Inspection Service is committed to using the most advanced technology to stop fentanyl traffickers. Postal Inspectors use data, forensics and citizens’ tips to protect Americans and apprehend opioid dealers who send illegal drugs through the mail. In fiscal years 2017-2021, the USPIS had 2,113 synthetic opioid seizures, totaling 2,039 pounds.
During the 2020 elections — with increased use of the U.S. Mail during the coronavirus pandemic — Postal Inspection Service personnel were in postal facilities throughout the country, ensuring that Election Mail was physically secure.
In 2021, the Inspection Service reports 2,323 arrests for illegal narcotics-related cases.
Operation
Protect Veterans
Postal Inspectors, in partnership with AARP, promoted Operation Protect Veterans to raise awareness of scams that target military veterans. In 2020, a Postal Inspector testified before the Senate Special Committee about Operation Protect Veterans. Also, the Inspection Service launched a special web page dedicated to Operation Protect Veterans at https://www.uspis.gov/veterans.
The Inspection Service seized 2,337 assets worth $83 million. 89 percent of assets seized were from illegal narcotics and related proceeds.
1971
first female agents hired
In 1971, the Postal Inspection Service became one of the first federal law enforcement organizations to hire female agents.
In 2020, forensic scientists and specialists at the Postal Inspection Service's state-of-the-art National Forensic Laboratory examined more than 262,000 physical evidence items. 1,444 suspects were identified.
Emmy Award
winning TV show
The Inspection Service uses various media platforms to educate the American public about scams and how to avoid them. A weekly TV series, The Inspectors, was based on real-life Postal Inspection Service cases. 104 episodes of the Emmy Award-winning scripted drama ran for four seasons on network television, reaching more than 200 million viewers. Episodes are currently airing daily at 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time, in syndication on the BYU Network.
National Consumer Protection Week. During the Federal Trade Commission’s annual awareness campaign, the Postal Service and U.S. Postal Inspection Service provide customers with education, tools and information to combat identity theft and mail fraud. More information can be found at consumer.ftc.gov/features/national-consumer-protection-week.
USPS
Sanctity
and Security of the US Mail
The Postal Inspection Service works aggressively and takes all practicable measures to ensure the sanctity and security of the U.S. Mail.
The Inspection Service is committed to using the most advanced technology to stop fentanyl traffickers. Postal Inspectors use data, forensics, and citizens’ tips to protect Americans and apprehend opioid dealers who send illegal drugs through the mail.
USPS
2,010
suspicious mail incidents
Postal Inspectors responded to and investigated 2,010 suspicious mail incidents in 2021.
USPS
$1.1M
equipment recovered
Postal Inspectors in 2021 recovered misappropriated or stolen mail transport equipment worth $1.1 million.
200
federal laws enforced
Security. U.S. Mail is protected by more than 200 federal laws enforced by the Postal Inspection Service, one of the nation's oldest law enforcement agencies.
In 2021 Postal Inspectors reported 5,141 arrests and 3,784 convictions related to postal crimes, primarily those involving mail theft, mail fraud and prohibited mailings.
Trademarks
Trademarks
The Eagle Logo, the trade dress of USPS packaging, the Letter Carrier Uniform and the Postal Truck and the following marks are among the many trademarks owned by the United States Postal Service: Click-N-Ship®, Deliver The Win®, EDDM®, ePostage®, Every Door Direct Mail®, Express Mail®, First-Class™, First-Class Mail®, First-Class Package International Service®, Forever®, Global Express Guaranteed®, IMb®, Informed Delivery®, Intelligent Mail®, Label Broker™, Parcel Select®, P.O. Box™, Post Office®, Pony Express®, Postal Inspection Service™, PostalOne!®, Postal Police®, PostalProud®, Priority Mail Express International®, Priority Mail Flat Rate®, Priority Mail International®, Priority: You®, Registered Mail™, Standard Mail®, The Postal Store®, United States Postal Inspection Service®, United States Postal Service®, U.S. Mail®, U.S. Postal Inspector™, U.S. Postal Service®, USPS®, USPS BlueEarth®, USPS Mobile®, USPS Operation Santa®, USPS Tracking®, usps.com®, We are people delivering to people™, ZIP+4® and ZIP Code™. This is not a comprehensive list of all Postal Service trademarks.
Non-Postal Trademarks
Dollar General®, Forest Stewardship Council®, McDonald’s®, National Dog Bite Prevention Week®, Starbucks®, Subway®, Sustainable Forestry Initiative®, The Climate Registry®.
Postal Facts 2022 provides the public with information about the U.S. Postal Service. The facts in this publication may be reproduced for the purpose of stating the fact itself, and in a business, informational or academic context and the like, and in the body of text discussing factual subject matter relevant to the fact being presented. However, these facts may become outdated after publication and seeking the latest information is advised.
Produced by U.S. Postal Service Corporate Communications
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