[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 39, Volume 1]
[Revised as of July 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 39CFR233.1]

[Page 60-61]
 
                        TITLE 39--POSTAL SERVICE
 
                 CHAPTER I--UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
 
PART 233--INSPECTION SERVICE AUTHORITY--Table of Contents
 
Sec. 233.1  Arrest and investigative powers of Postal Inspectors.

    (a) Authorization. Postal Inspectors are authorized to perform the 
following functions in connection with their official duties:
    (1) Serve warrants and subpoenas issued under the authority of the 
United States;
    (2) Make arrests without warrant for offenses against the United 
States committed in their presence;

[[Page 61]]

    (3) Make arrests without warrant for felonies cognizable under the 
laws of the United States if they have reasonable grounds to believe 
that the person to be arrested has committed or is committing such a 
felony;
    (4) Carry firearms; and
    (5) Make seizures of property as provided by law.
    (b) Limitations. The powers granted by paragraph (a) of this section 
shall be exercised only--
    (1) In the enforcement of laws regarding property in the custody of 
the Postal Service, property of the Postal Service, the use of the 
mails, and other postal offenses; and
    (2) To the extent authorized by the Attorney General pursuant to 
agreement between the Attorney General and the Postal Service, in the 
enforcement of other laws of the United States, if the Attorney General 
determines that the violation of such laws will have a detrimental 
effect upon the operations of the Postal Service.
    (c) Administrative subpoenas may be served by delivering a copy to a 
person or by mailing a copy to his or her last known address. For the 
purposes of this provision, delivery of a copy includes handing it to 
the party or leaving it at the party's office or residence with a person 
of suitable age and discretion employed or residing therein. Service by 
mail is complete upon mailing.
    (d) In conducting any investigation, Postal Inspectors are 
authorized to accept, maintain custody of, and deliver mail.

[36 FR 4762, Mar. 12, 1971, as amended at 38 FR 19124, July 18, 1973. 
Redesignated at 46 FR 34330, July 1, 1981; 52 FR 12901, Apr. 20, 1987; 
56 FR 55823, Oct. 30, 1991; 60 FR 5581, Jan. 30, 1995; 67 FR 16024, Apr. 
4, 2002]