Does domestic mail get checked
In the United States, the United States Postal Service (USPS) does not typically open or inspect the contents of domestic mail, except in certain circumstances. Here are some exceptions:
- Suspicious or unusual mail: If mail is deemed suspicious or unusual, such as containing a hazardous material or a threat, USPS may open and inspect the contents to ensure public safety.
- Law enforcement requests: USPS may open and inspect mail at the request of law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI or local police departments, as part of an investigation.
- Intelligence gathering: USPS may open and inspect mail as part of its intelligence gathering efforts to detect and prevent terrorism or other threats.
- Mail with a high value or sensitive contents: USPS may open and inspect mail containing high-value items, such as cash or jewelry, or sensitive contents, such as confidential documents or medical records.
- Mail with a missing or altered postage: USPS may open and inspect mail with missing or altered postage to verify the authenticity of the postage.
However, in general, USPS does not open or inspect the contents of domestic mail unless there is a legitimate reason to do so. The USPS is bound by the Privacy Act of 1974, which prohibits the disclosure of personal information contained in mail, except in certain circumstances.
It's worth noting that while USPS does not typically open or inspect domestic mail, it does have the authority to open and inspect mail under certain circumstances, such as:
- Under the USA PATRIOT Act, USPS may open and inspect mail to detect and prevent terrorism.
- Under the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, USPS may open and inspect mail to detect and prevent fraud.
- Under the Postal Reorganization Act, USPS may open and inspect mail to ensure compliance with postal regulations.
Overall, while USPS does have the authority to open and inspect mail in certain circumstances, it generally does not open or inspect the contents of domestic mail unless there is a legitimate reason to do so.