Definition

Noun: The primary law enforcement and security arm of the United States Postal Service (USPS). It is a federal law enforcement agency responsible for investigating crimes related to the postal system, its employees, and its customers.

Usage

The term "US Postal Inspection Service" is used as a proper noun to refer specifically to this federal agency. It is often preceded by the definite article "the."

Examples

• The US Postal Inspection Service is investigating a series of mail thefts in the area.
• If you receive a suspicious package, you should report it to the US Postal Inspection Service.
• A US Postal Inspection Service agent presented the evidence in court.

Advanced Usage

• The agency is sometimes informally called "the Postal Inspectors" or "Postal Inspection Service." The acronym USPIS is also commonly used.
  • The USPIS has a long history of protecting the mail.

Variants and Related Words

• Postal Inspector (noun): A federal agent who works for the US Postal Inspection Service.
  • A Postal Inspector visited to ask questions about the missing parcel.

Synonyms

• Postal Police (Note: The Postal Police are a uniformed division within the US Postal Inspection Service, focused on security and protection, while Inspectors are criminal investigators.)

Noun

1. the primary law enforcement arm of the United States Postal Service