Congresswoman Norton presses Postmaster DeJoy on rising mail theft and safety concerns
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The U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Accountability convened on December 31, 2024, to address pressing issues surrounding the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), particularly focusing on the alarming rise in mail theft and its implications for postal workers and the public.
During the meeting, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy was urged to enhance communication between the USPS and congressional offices to address ongoing complaints and improve transparency. DeJoy acknowledged the challenges faced by the organization, emphasizing the need for better communication strategies to resolve issues and foster understanding among stakeholders.
A significant portion of the discussion centered on the dramatic increase in mail theft incidents. Between 2019 and 2022, reports of mail theft surged by 87%, while robberies of letter carriers skyrocketed by 543%. An audit from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) revealed that investigations into serious crimes by the USPS Inspector Service nearly doubled from 2019 to 2023, primarily due to these robberies. The committee expressed concern over how this rise in crime affects the safety and well-being of letter carriers, with representatives highlighting the dangers posed to both postal employees and constituents.
In response to these issues, some committee members proposed legislative measures aimed at enhancing security. One representative introduced a bill to mandate the installation of security cameras at postal facilities to protect employees and customers. The discussion also touched on the role of the USPS's own law enforcement body, the Postal Inspection Service, which has historically been responsible for safeguarding postal operations.
However, concerns were raised regarding a 2020 directive that limited the role of postal police officers in investigating mail theft, which some lawmakers are seeking to reverse. The committee plans to follow up on these discussions and explore further actions to bolster the safety and security of postal services.
Overall, the meeting underscored the urgent need for the USPS to address rising crime rates and improve communication with lawmakers to ensure the safety of its employees and the reliability of mail delivery for the public.
During the meeting, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy was urged to enhance communication between the USPS and congressional offices to address ongoing complaints and improve transparency. DeJoy acknowledged the challenges faced by the organization, emphasizing the need for better communication strategies to resolve issues and foster understanding among stakeholders.
A significant portion of the discussion centered on the dramatic increase in mail theft incidents. Between 2019 and 2022, reports of mail theft surged by 87%, while robberies of letter carriers skyrocketed by 543%. An audit from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) revealed that investigations into serious crimes by the USPS Inspector Service nearly doubled from 2019 to 2023, primarily due to these robberies. The committee expressed concern over how this rise in crime affects the safety and well-being of letter carriers, with representatives highlighting the dangers posed to both postal employees and constituents.
In response to these issues, some committee members proposed legislative measures aimed at enhancing security. One representative introduced a bill to mandate the installation of security cameras at postal facilities to protect employees and customers. The discussion also touched on the role of the USPS's own law enforcement body, the Postal Inspection Service, which has historically been responsible for safeguarding postal operations.
However, concerns were raised regarding a 2020 directive that limited the role of postal police officers in investigating mail theft, which some lawmakers are seeking to reverse. The committee plans to follow up on these discussions and explore further actions to bolster the safety and security of postal services.
Overall, the meeting underscored the urgent need for the USPS to address rising crime rates and improve communication with lawmakers to ensure the safety of its employees and the reliability of mail delivery for the public.
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