What The OIG Found

Postal Service personnel at eight of 18 judgmentally selected facilities did not always comply with contractor badge requirements and controls were not adequate to ensure the program was effectively managed. Specifically, 13 of 49 contractors we observed (27 percent) had expired badges and three of 49 (6 percent) did not visibly display their badges.

In addition, at two other facilities, U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General auditors were able to access work areas without displaying badges and facility employees did not challenge them. Finally, we received 47 responses from 63 judgmentally selected facilities to our inquiry about standard operating procedures for administering the badge program. Twenty-nine of the 47 facilities (62 percent) did not have procedures. The remaining 18 facilities’ procedures did not sufficiently explain how to administer the program.

These conditions occurred because Postal Service and Postal Inspection Service officials did not provide consistent guidance and oversight over the program. In addition, responsible personnel were not sufficiently trained to ensure they understood their roles and responsibilities. Insufficient controls over the program could impact the safety and security of employees, customers, mail, and assets; and harm the Postal Service brand.

via Office of Inspector General | United States Postal Service.