How to become A Postal Inspector

In recent years, Postal Inspectors have played an increasingly critical role in ensuring that nefarious individuals do not misuse the postal service to conduct fraud and mail-related crimes.

• Post Office Inspector

What do Postal Inspectors do?

A Postal Inspector  would typically need to:

• Build and investigate cases of criminal, civil and administrative violations of snail-mail-related laws to secure the national mail system
• Respond to claims of mail theft, identity theft, mail containing illegal items and instances of people using the mail service to scam postal customers
• Conduct surveillance of suspects, gather and analyse evidence and interview witnesses
• Carry and use a firearm, execute arrest and search warrants, serve subpoenas, pursue and apprehend suspects and attempt to obtain confessions
• Prepare in-depth court reports and testify in court trials
• Work in laboratories with forensic scientists to help screen the mail for biological, chemical and explosive threats
• Use forensic and advanced criminal technology to provide their customers protection from identity theft and consumer fraud
• Take care of homeland security and counterterrorism; conduct tasks such as pattern analysis to identify snail-mail-related terrorist activities
• Collaborate with other national and local law enforcement agencies

Postal Inspectors divide their time between an office and the lab where they conduct investigations. Travel may be necessary to deal with crimes involving multiple locations.

Postal Inspectors work long and irregular hours, which can include evenings and weekends. 

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Postal Inspectors can boost their job search by using job search platforms.

Postal Inspectors are generally employed by:

• The National Postal Inspection Service

Professional associations and organisations, such as The National  Association Of Postal  Supervisors, are crucial for Postal Inspectors interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• The need to relocate wherever there is a need for one’s service can be challenging
• Failure to pass any of the academic and performance tests post-training will result in termination of one’s appointment
• A fair possibility of exposure to danger and threatening situations that may place one in harm’s way

Aspiring Postal Inspectors with a bachelor’s degree will need at least two years of full-time working experience as a national postal service employee, contractor or intern. Most begin as mail carriers or sorters before acquiring the necessary qualifications to become a Postal Inspector. Many have previous career experience as mail clerks or customer service representatives.

Related experience as a Certified Public Accountant or in law enforcement, the military and bioterrorism counts as special knowledge. Applicants with high levels of academic achievement may require less experience.

Selected candidates must usually complete a 3-month-long comprehensive training program including techniques in investigation & administration, firearms training, defensive strategies, physical conditioning and practical scenarios. 

Successful aspirants are placed on a probationary period which depends on their qualifications. Veterans may enjoy preference status and undergo a one-year probationary period. In the end, they receive an assignment and begin their career.

Read about the profession and interview/job shadow experts working in postal inspection to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

An accredited four-year bachelor’s degree in law, criminal justice, law enforcement or computer science is a preferred prerequisite to becoming a Postal Inspector. A high school diploma or GED (General Education Development) can fetch you an entry-level position.

Take classes in social sciences and English in high school.

Candidates with auditing, information systems security and computer forensics certifications from an objective and reputed organisation stand out in a competitive job market and increase their chances of advancement. 

A combination of education, experience, and testing is generally required to gain certification, though requirements differ from region to region. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

Certification will also prove a Postal Inspector’s advanced competency in a foreign language such as Arabic, French, Spanish, Mandarin or Russian.

A bona fide driving license is also an essential prerequisite.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. Postal Inspectors with at least five years of consistently high-performance levels may be eligible for promotion as Assistant Superintendent in postal subdivisions, postal directorial and circle/regional/divisional offices.

The next position to aim for would be Superintendent in postal divisions or Assistant Director in a circle/regional office. The highest positions include Senior Superintendent and Director of Postal Services. Most professionals in this field retire either at age 50 after working 20 years or at any age after 25 years of active service.

Candidates who have the necessary academic degrees, certifications, experience and readiness to relocate will have the best job prospects.  

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Postal Inspector build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. It enables the regular renewal of essential certifications and licenses.

Crucial Prerequisites

Prospective Postal Inspectors must pass tests to prove their mental and physical health. The screening process also includes polygraph testing and a background check. Past convictions for felony or domestic violence will automatically render you ineligible for the position. Likewise, applicants who used/sold drugs earlier or lied about their drug history cannot qualify for employment.

Often, you must complete a two-part examination. If you do well on the online first section, you may be invited to attend the second test in person. You will undergo an assessment of your ability to communicate in English, think critically, follow directions and adhere to a schedule.

What You Help Prevent or Solve

Postal Inspectors often work with other law enforcement agencies to solve international mail theft, identity theft, bank fraud, armed robbery and child exploitation. Money laundering, extortion, mail and mailbox destruction, obstruction to mail and counterfeit stamps are other areas they specialise in. Besides, they also take care of organised crime, international drug trafficking, mail bombs and international terrorism.

US Postal Inspectors were responsible for the capture and conviction of Charles Ponzi, the mastermind of the infamous pyramid “Ponzi Scheme.

Postal Inspectors serve their country by ensuring the safety and integrity of mail is not compromised by any act of crime of terrorism. 

‘Success is dependent on you and your willingness to invest in the job. Without proper management, it can lead to serious work-life balance issues.