The Role of the United States Postal Service in Public Safety and Security : Implications of Relaxing the Mailbox Monopoly

The United States Postal Service has long held a statutory monopoly to deliver mail to mailboxes (known as the Mailbox Rule). Critics have argued against the Mailbox Rule on anti-monopoly and property rights grounds. But relaxing the Mailbox Rule may affect public safety and security. This study assesses the public safety concerns of relaxing the Mailbox Rule and makes recommendations to address these concerns. Introduction An overview of USPS : its monopolies and its role in public safety Impact of relaxing the mailbox rule on public safety and security incidents Impact of relaxing the mailbox rule on the Postal Inspection Service's ability to detect Deter, and investigate crimes Public perceptions about relaxing the mailbox rule Conclusions and issues for further consideration.