The U.S. mail system is a mammoth operation. Over 40 percent of all of the world’s mail passes through this system. In 2006, the U.S. Postal Service processed mail for over 144 million addresses, a number that increases by more than one million each year. The vast majority of that mail remains untouched by scams or danger.

In addition to continuing its historic duties, the Inspection Service participates on terrorism task forces on national and international levels. The service is also a member of the Cities Readiness Initiative, a project involving federal, state, and local resources responsible for distributing emergency medications in the event of a biological attack on a metropolitan area.

	Inspectors with mobile command center, New Orleans, post Hurricane Katrina click to enlarge
	Image: Inspectors with mobile command center, New Orleans, post Hurricane Katrina

Postal inspectors continue to work behind the scenes and in task forces to protect the U.S. mail and the men and women responsible for moving it across the country. They advise businesses on securing their mail operations and educate consumers to stay ahead of criminals who prey on the public through the mail. Well into their second century of operation, the men and women of this silent service continue to let their work speak for itself.