Highlights of GAO's Conference on Optionsto Enhance Mail Security and Postal Operations
Abstract
Some of the options suggested to enhance mail security and operations included (1) conducting risk-based assessments of potential threats; (2) redesigning and reducing the number of collection boxes to enhance employee and public safety; (3) encouraging the mailing industry to take steps to enhance mail security, such as controlling access to their facilities and participating in a security certification process for bulk mailers; (4) reducing the anonymity of mailers through such measures as requiring identification from mailers and using video-enabled kiosks; (5) creating separate mail streams corresponding to the level of risk associated with the source of the mail; (6) accelerating the Service's implementation of an "information platform" to, among other things, track and trace mail using enhanced bar codes and trackable postage; (7) changing postage rate structures to establish incentives for mailers to promote security, such as discounts and surcharges; (8) communicating a clear and consistent message to employees and the public on security-related matters; and (9) reexamining the postal infrastructure and delivery standards to improve efficiency and security. Operational issues raised included the following questions: (1) What risks need to be addressed, such as biological, chemical, radiological, and/or explosive threats? (2) What role should the Service, the mailing industry, and others play in protecting the mall? (3) What impact will efforts to reduce the anonymity of mail have on mailers' convenience and privacy, mail volume, and mail cost? (4) what is the availability of effective detection equipment? (5) What changes can be made to the postal infrastructure to promote both efficiency and security? (6) What security measures need to be taken immediately? and (7) what tradeoffs between mail security and safety, service, convenience, and cost are the public and the mailing industry willing to accept for the nation's mail system?
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 20, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA397522
Entities
People
- Dan Burton
- Henry A. Waxman
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office