Today concludes National Crime Victims' Rights Week, but if you are victim of a crime that involves the use of the United States Postal Service, Postal Inspector Tony Robinson wants you to know what you can expect from the USPS every day of the year.
From Inspector Robinson:
Compiled and massaged from USPIS brochures.
Victim/Witness Tips
As an agency of federal law enforcement professionals, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service is concerned about problems that may be experienced by victims and witnesses of crime. We know that as a victim or witness, you may feel anger, confusion, frustration, or fear as a result of your experience.If a suspect is identified and presented for prosecution, you will be informed of the status of the case. Throughout a USPIS investigation, a Postal Inspector or Victim/Witness Coordinator will remain your primary contact. Other law enforcement agencies have their own version of a Victim/Witness coordinator to assist you on crimes under their jurisdiction. If you have questions, be sure to contact one of these individuals as soon as possible.
If your case is accepted for prosecution, you will be contacted by the attorney’s office assigned to handle your case. Most prosecutors’ offices have a Victim/Witness Coordinator to help answer your questions and assist with your concerns during the pretrial and court phases of the case.
If anyone threatens you, or you feel you are being harassed because of your cooperation with authorities, report it to law enforcement. There are penalties for harassment and other credible threats. If you were injured or threatened with physical injury as a result of the crime, and lack insurance or other means to pay for medical bills, check your state’s crime victim compensation program. In many states, the cost of counseling, lost wages, and certain funeral expenses may be covered. The Employee Assistance Program, EAP, is also there to help employees and their families.
As part of its investigation, the Postal Inspection Service hopes to recover any property or money stolen from you. This is one reason why it is important to keep a record of serial numbers or other uniquely identifiable attributes of your property to provide to law enforcement when needed. If Postal Inspectors recover it, we will notify you and make every effort to have it returned as quickly as possible.
Restitution may be available for property not recovered or for the cost of any necessary repairs. This is a court-ordered payment made to you as a victim of a crime. Upon conviction, the offender pays out-of pocket expenses resulting from your victimization. In many cases, however, the proceeds of the crime are no longer available and the defendant does not have sufficient assets to pay restitution. Other remedies may include pursuing a civil suit or small claims court action.
In the case of identity theft, it is also important to take steps to minimize future losses by reporting the instance to your creditors and banking institutions. The USPIS and Federal Trade Commission’s websites contain additional information on actions to take regarding identity theft.
The following are organizations that have additional information and stand ready to assist victims of crime:
NATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR VICTIM ASSISTANCE: 1-800-879-6682trynova.org
NATIONAL CENTER FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: ncvc.org
FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION: 1-877-FTC-HELP (toll free)ftc.gov
US Postal Inspection Service:1- 877-876-2455 (toll free) postalinspectors.uspis.gov
Employee Assistance Program:
1-800-EAP-4-YOU (1-800-327-4968)
For the hearing impaired with TTY equipment, call TTY: 1-877-492-7341.
