The U.S. Postal Inspection Service has a history nearly as long as the country it serves. On August 7, 1775, William Goddard became the first postal surveyor. His duties helped to ensure the efficiency and security of mail routes.
Today’s postal inspectors make arrests and serve federal warrants and subpoenas. They regularly collaborate with other law enforcement agencies, from local police departments to Interpol, to investigate crimes involving the mail, post offices or postal employees.