Special Inquiries Division

USPS OIG Investigations

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) conducts criminal and administrative investigations of Postal Service executives, and OIG and Postal Inspection Service personnel, as well as whistleblower reprisal investigations.

Whistleblower Reprisal Activity

The Postal Service is not covered by the Whistleblower Protection Act, but has its own policy governing whistleblower retaliation. The policy prohibits retaliation against an employee because the employee (or applicant for employment) disclosed information the employee reasonably believes concerns:

1) a violation of any rule, law or policy, or

2) a gross waste of funds, gross mismanagement, abuse of authority or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety.

Generally, the misconduct is a violation of law, rule, or regulation, or a direct threat to public interest — fraud, health, safety violations, and corruption are just a few examples. The employee must reasonably believe his or her employer has committed a violation of some law, rule, or regulation; testify or commence a legal proceeding on the legally protected matter; or refuse to violate the law.

Our whisleblower activity during the reporting period of October 1, 2008, to September 30, 2009, included: 183 allegations received; 42 OIG investigations initiated; 48 Investigations closed with no finding of retaliation or deferred to other adjudicative body; 12 Open investigations; and, one where the OIG found reprisal.