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.
In a massive global initiative aimed at dark web traffickers in 2020, Postal Inspectors worked with domestic and international partners on Operation DisrupTor. This incredible joint effort yielded the arrests of 85 dark web drug traffickers in the United States, the seizure of more than $6.5 million in both cash and virtual currencies as well as 63 firearms and more than 270 kilograms of narcotics kept off the streets.
1,323
synthetic opiods seized
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 2017-2020, the USPIS seized 1,323 synthetic opioids, totaling 1,054 pounds.
From late October 2020 to mid-November, the Inspection Service conducted 1,856 security sweeps at facilities in all 50 states, including all 220 facilities that processed ballots, logging more than 11,567 hours dedicated to protecting the integrity of Election Mail.
In September 2020, Postal Inspectors announced the 50th arrest in a series of joint investigations into fraud against the Paycheck Protection Program, a key element of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. The multi-agency effort uncovered more than $70 million in financial loss to the U.S. Government and other victims, with more than $175 million in attempted loss. Law enforcement seized more than $30 million in fraudulent funds held by the defendants.
In 2020, the Inspection Service reports 2,221 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.
In 2020, Postal Inspectors conducted 10 investigations in the use of mail to exploit children. They made 8 arrests and 11 convictions.
Postal Inspectors investigated 631 reported threats and assaults against postal employees during 2020. They made 259 arrests that resulted in 144 convictions.
2,356
suspicious mail incidents
Postal Inspectors responded to and investigated 2,356 suspicious mail incidents in 2020.
$890,699
equipment recovered
Postal Inspectors in 2020 recovered misappropriated or stolen mail transport equipment worth $890,699.
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 2020 Postal Inspectors reported 4,804 arrests and 3,643 convictions related to postal crimes, primarily those involving mail theft, mail fraud and prohibited mailings.
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®, Forever®, Global Express Guaranteed®, IMb®, Informed Delivery®, Intelligent Mail®, Parcel Select®, P.O. Box™, Post Office®, Pony Express®, Postal Inspection Service™, PostalOne!®, Postal Police®, PostalProud®, 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®, ZIP+4® and ZIP Code™. This is not a comprehensive list of all Postal Service trademarks.
Non-Postal Trademarks
Forest Stewardship Council®, McDonald’s®, National Dog Bite Prevention Week®, Starbucks®, Sustainable Forestry Initiative®, Walmart®
Postal Facts 2020 provides the public with information about the Postal Service. The facts in this publication may be reproduced for the purpose of stating the fact itself, and in a business, informational, 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.
Visit about.usps.com for more information.
Produced by Corporate Communications
© 2016-2021 United States Postal Service. All rights reserved.
