Postal Inspectors investigate criminal activities
involving the security and integrity of the United States Postal System.
Approximately 4,000 postal inspectors, evidence technicians, support staff
and uniformed postal police ensure the safety of postal employees, the
postal system, and the public. The inspection service investigates and
enforces over 200 laws covering crimes that may adversely affect the mail,
and provides considerable protection against identity theft and consumer
fraud. Lee R. Health is the Chief Postal Inspector and the head of the
Postal Inspection Service that reports directly to the Postmaster General.
Inspectors carry firearms, make arrests, testify in court, serve
subpoenas, and write comprehensive reports. It is a demanding position,
often requiring frequent and extended travel and absences from home. Postal
Inspectors may work under hazardous conditions, have irregular work hours,
and be assigned anywhere in the country.
Beginning January 8, 2003, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service opened
Postal Inspector recruitment for college graduates with no previous work
experience. If you do not meet one of the special requirements in the
Application for U.S. Postal Inspector, but have a conferred, four-year
college degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0, or an advanced degree, you may
apply to become a Postal Inspector. To apply, submit Form 168, Application
for U.S. Postal Inspector, along with a copy of your college transcript.
Federal law enforcement agents in the GS-1811, Criminal Investigating
Series, may apply through an expedited recruitment process by submitting a
copy of a current SF 50, Notification of Personnel Action, with their
application. If the applicant has Top Secret clearance, the process may be
further expedited by including a letter from their agency's Security Control
Officer certifying the clearance, the date it was originally issued and any
updates, as well as copies of SF 86, Questionnaire for National Security
Positions, for the original clearance and any updates.
The Postal Inspection Service operates five forensic crime laboratories,
strategically located in cities across the country. The labs are staffed
with forensic scientists and technical specialists, who assist Inspectors in
analyzing evidentiary material needed for identifying and tracing criminal
suspects and in providing expert testimony for cases brought to trial.
Chapter Eleven inPost Office Jobs
presents a comprehensive overview, recruitment information, and
applications for Postal Inspectors and related occupations. Purchase
this book
online,
at your local Barnes & Noble book store, or call our 24 hour order line
at 1-800-782-7424. This book is also available at your local library, be
sure to ask for the new 4th edition.
You should also investigate related Federal Law
Enforcement Agents in the GS-1811, Criminal Investigating Series. These
federal government investigators perform related services and if you qualify
for a Postal Inspector Position you will generally meet the requirements for
the civil service GS-1811 positions. Visit
http://federaljobs.net/law.htm to explore viable civil service investigative
fields.
Postal Inspector positions
are covered in Post Office Jobs.
You will find general standards, application information and Service
Division office contact numbers. You can also visit your local
Library's Reference Department to review this informative book, call
1-800-782-7424 to order a copy by phone or order
on-line.
