Law Enforcement in Postal Services: What are the lessons for Canada?

Postal crimes have long been an issue of public and governmental concern, and compared to relative international and national law enforcement entities; there are many lessons to be learned. There are significant differences between Canada and United States in regards to law enforcement within postal services. The number of postal related crimes is greater in the United States than in Canada, however the characteristics and dynamics of postal crimes and incidents are often identical. Mail is a crucial government service with legislated rights and responsibilities; mass-marketing fraud, vandalism and theft of property by the general public remain significant interrelated postal crime issues. This project paper examines the contrast between postal crimes and the objective of law enforcement and investigative bodies legislated to manage them. In addition, the implications of these findings and recommendations to law enforcement training and policy are outlined. The Canada Post Security and Investigation Services are analyzed through a qualitative lens. It is suggestive that the Security and Investigation Services would benefit from initiatives regarding the compilation of data in relation to postal crimes; extending their security leadership and providing a recognized security standard for the nation’s exclusive postal operation.