postal data center abreast with advancing management sciences in the integration of systems, techniques and equipment for collecting, verifying and processing business data.

(8) Prepares replies to employee suggestions pertaining to the work of the postal data center where such suggestions have originated in regions or installations served by the postal data center. Refers suggestions worthy of adoption to Finance Group with detailed recommendations as to how suggestions may be implemented.

(b) Production Scheduling Branch. (1) Develops, coordinates and administers production schedules for the PDC.

(2) Develops and coordinates systems and production plans for new data activities to be performed by the postal data center.

(3) Develops and coordinates schedules for new system applications at PDC.

§ 226.6 Data Operations Division.

Operates the postal data center's automatic data processing facility and its associated equipment. Branches and their functions under this division are:

(a) Data Preparation Branch. (1) Maintain custody of magnetic tape reels, computer program documentation and input/output punch cards.

(2) Performs all key punch operations.

(b) Computer Operations Branch. (1) When authorized, operates punched paper tape and communications terminal equipment.

(2) Operates electronic and electromechanical data processing equipment.

Inspection Service Requirements

PART 231-PROTECTION OF POST OFFICES

Sec.

231.1 Responsibility.

231.2 Security Control Officer.

§ 231.1 Responsibility.

(a) The protection of mail, postal funds, and property is a responsibility of every postal employee.

(b) The Chief Postal Inspector is designated as the Security Officer for the U.S. Postal Service. That official is responsible for the issuance of instructions and regulations pertaining to security requirements within the Postal Service.

(39 U.S.C. 401)

[36 FR 4762, Mar. 12, 1971]

§ 231.2 Security Control Officer.

The postmaster or a supervisor designated by the postmaster shall act as Security Control Officer for each post office. The Security Control Officer shall be responsible for the general security of the post office, its stations and branches, in accordance with rules and regulations issued by the Chief Postal Inspector.

(39 U.S.C. 401)

[36 FR 4762, Mar. 12, 1971]

PART 232-CONDUCT ON POSTAL PROPERTY

§ 232.1 Conduct on postal property.

(a) Applicability. This section applies to all real property under the charge and control of the Postal Service, to all tenant agencies, and to all persons entering in or on such property. This section shall be posted and kept posted at a conspicuous place on all such property.

(b) Recording presence. Except as otherwise ordered, properties shall be closed to the public after normal working hours. Properties shall also be closed to the public in emergency situations and at such other times as may be necessary for the orderly conduct of business. Admission to properties during periods when such properties are closed to the public will be limited to authorized individuals who may be required to sign the register and display identification documents when requested by security force personnel or other authorized individuals.

(c) Preservation of property. Improperly disposing of rubbish, spitting, creating any hazard to persons or things, throwing articles of any kind from a building, climbing upon the roof or any part of a building, or willfully destroying, damaging, or removing any

property or any part thereof, is prohibited.

(d) Conformity with signs and directions. All persons in and on property shall comply with official signs of a prohibitory or directory nature, and with the directions of security force personnel or other authorized individuals.

(e) Disturbances. Disorderly conduct, or conduct which creates loud and unusual noise, or which obstructs the usual use of entrances, foyers, corridors, offices, elevators, stairways, and parking lots, or which otherwise tends to impede or disturb the public employees in the performance of their duties, or which otherwise impedes or disturbs the general public in transacting business or obtaining the services provided on property, is prohibited.

(f) Gambling. Participating in games for money or other personal property, the operation of gambling devices, the conduct of a lottery or pool, or the selling or purchasing of lottery tickets, is prohibited on postal premises. This prohibition does not apply to the vending or exchange of State Lottery tickets at vending facilities operated by licensed blind persons where such lotteries are authorized by state law. (See Domestic Mail Manual 123.351 and 123.42; Administrative Support Manual 221.42; Regional Instructions, Part 782, section IV G 2c.)

(g) Alcoholic beverages and drugs. The entering on property, or the operating of a motor vehicle on property, by a person under the influence of alcoholic beverage or any drug which has been defined as a "controlled substance" is prohibited. The sale or use of any "controlled substance" (except as medically approved) or alcoholic beverage on postal premises is prohibited. The term "controlled substance" is defined in section 802 of title 21, U.S.C.

(h) Soliciting, Electioneering, Collecting Debts, Vending, and Advertising. Soliciting alms and contributions, campaigning for election to any public office, collecting private debts, commercial soliciting and vending, and displaying or distributing commercial advertising on postal premises are prohibited. This prohibition does not apply to:

(1) Commercial activities performed under contract with the Postal Service or pursuant to the provisions of the Randolph-Sheppard Act;

(2) Posting notices on bulletin boards as authorized in § 243.2(a) of this chapter;

(3) The solicitation of Postal Service and other Federal military and civilian personnel for contributions by recognized agencies as authorized by the Manual on Fund Raising Within the the Federal Service, issued by the Chairman of the U.S. Civil Service Commission under Executive Order 10927 of March 13, 1961.

(i) Photographs for news, advertising, or commercial purposes. Except as prohibited by official signs or the directions of security force personnel or other authorized personnel, or a Federal court order or rule, photographs for news purposes may be taken in entrances, lobbies, foyers, corridors, or auditoriums when used for public meetings. Other photographs may be taken only with the permission of the local postmaster or installation head.

(j) Dogs and other animals. Dogs, except seeing-eye dogs, and other animals, shall not be brought upon property for other than official purposes.

(k) Vehicular and pedestrian traffic. (1) Drivers of all vehicles in or on property shall drive in a careful and safe manner at all times and shall comply with the signals and directions of security force personnel, other authorized individuals, and all posted traffic signs.

(2) The blocking of entrances, driveways, walks, loading platforms, or fire hydrants in or on property is prohibited.

(3) Parking without authority, parking in unauthorized locations or in locations reserved for other persons, or continuously in excess of 18 hours without permission, or contrary to the direction of posted signs is prohibited. This section may be supplemented by the postmaster or installation head from time to time by the issuance and posting of specific traffic directives as may be required. When so issued and posted such directives shall have the same force and effect as if made a part hereof.

(1) Weapons and explosives. No person while on property shall carry firearms, other dangerous or deadly weapons, or explosives, either openly or concealed, except for official purposes.

(m) Nondiscrimination. There shall be no discrimination by segregation or otherwise against any person or persons because of race, creed, color, sex, or national origin, in furnishing, or by refusing to furnish to such person or persons the use of any facility of a public nature, including all services, privileges, accommodations, and activities provided thereby on property.

(n) Conduct with regard to meetings of the Board of Governors. (1) Without the permission of the chairman no person may participate in, film, televise, or broadcast any portion of any meeting of the Board or any subdivision or committee of the Board. Any person may electronically record or photograph a meeting, as long as that action does not tend to impede or disturb the members of the Board in the performance of their duties, or members of the public while attempting to attend or observe a meeting.

(2) Disorderly conduct, or conduct which creates loud or unusual noise, obstructs the ordinary use of entrances, foyers, corridors, offices, meeting rooms, elevators, stairways, or parking lots, or otherwise tends to impede or disturb the members of the Board in the performance of their duties, or members of the public while attempting to attend or observe a meeting of the Board or of any subdivision, or committee of the Board, is prohibited.

(3) Any person who violates paragraph (n) (1) or (2) of this section may, in addition to being subject to the penalties prescribed in paragraph (p) of this section, be removed from and barred from reentering postal property during the meeting with respect to which the violation occurred.

(4) A copy of the rules of this section governing conduct on postal property, including the rules of this paragraph appropriately highlighted, shall be posted in prominent locations at the public entrances to postal property and outside the meeting room at any meeting of the Board of Governors or

of any subdivision or committee of the Board.

(0) Depositing literature. Depositing or posting handbills, flyers, pamphlets, signs, poster, placards, or other literature, except official postal and other Governmental notices and announcements, on the grounds, walks, driveways, parking and maneuvering areas, exteriors of buildings and other structures, or on the floors, walls, stairs, racks, counters, desks, writing tables, window-ledges, or furnishings in interior public areas on postal premises, is prohibited. This prohibition does not apply to:

(1) Posting notices on bulletin boards as authorized in § 243.2(a) of this chapter;

(2) Interior space assigned to tenants for their exclusive use.

(3) Posting of notices by U.S. Government-related organizations such as the Inaugural Committee as defined in 36 U.S.C. 721.

(p) Penalties and other law. (1) Alleged violations of these rules and regulations are heard, and the penalties prescribed herein are imposed, either in a Federal district court or by a Federal magistrate in accordance with applicable court rules. Questions regarding such rules should be directed to the regional counsel for the region involved.

(2) Whoever shall be found guilty of violating the rules and regulations in this section while on property under the charge and control of the Postal Service is subject to fine of not more than $50 or imprisonment of not more than 30 days, or both. Nothing contained in these rules and regulations shall be construed to abrogate any other Federal laws or regulations of any State and local laws and regulations applicable to any area in which the property is situated.

(q) Enforcement. (1) Members of the U.S. Postal Service security force shall exercise the powers of special policemen provided by 40 U.S.C. 318 and shall be responsible for enforcing the regulations in this section in a manner that will protect Postal Service property.

(2) Local postmasters and installation heads may, pursuant to 40 U.S.C. 318b and with the approval of the

chief postal inspector or his designee, enter into agreements with State and local enforcement agencies to insure that these rules and regulations are enforced in a manner that will protect Postal Service property.

(39 U.S.C. 401, 3061; 40 U.S.C. 318, 318a, 318b, 318c; Pub. L. 92-351, title IV; 39 U.S.C. 401(2), 403(b)(3))

[37 FR 24346, Nov. 16, 1972, as amended at 38 FR 27824, Oct. 9, 1973; 41 FR 23955, June 14, 1976; 42 FR 17443, Apr. 1, 1977; 43 FR 38825, Aug. 31, 1978; 46 FR 898, Jan. 5, 1981. Redesignated and amended at 46 FR 34330, July 1, 1981]

PART 233-INSPECTION SERVICE AUTHORITY

Sec.

233.1 Arrest and subpena powers of postal inspectors.

233.2 Circulars and rewards

233.3 Mail covers.

233.4 Withdrawal of mail privileges.

233.5 Requesting financial records from a

financial institution.

AUTHORITY: 39 U.S.C. 401, 402, 404, 410, unless otherwise noted.

§ 233.1 Arrest and subpena powers of postal inspectors.

(a) Authorization. Postal Inspectors are authorized to perform the following functions in connection with any matter within their respective official duties as established by the Chief Postal Inspector.

(1) Serve warrants and subpenas issued under the authority of the United States;

(2) Make arrests without warrant for offenses against the United States committed in their presence; and

(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.

(b) Limitations. The powers granted by paragraph (a) of this section shall be exercised only in the enforcement of laws regarding property of the United States in the custody of the Postal Service, including property of the Postal Service, the use of the mails, and other postal offenses.

[36 FR 4762, Mar. 12, 1971, as amended at 38 FR 19124, July 18, 1973. Redesignated at 46 FR 34330, July 1, 1981]

§ 233.2 Circulars and rewards.

(a) Wanted circulars. The Inspection Service issues wanted circulars to obtain evidence on the whereabouts of fugitive postal law violators. Post these circulars in the most conspicuous place available in the post office lobby and in other prominent places. Post near the "Notice of Reward” sign. Any information on the possible location of the person wanted must be telephoned or telegraphed immediately to the postal inspector in charge. Remove circulars immediately when notified.

(b) Rewards. (1) Rewards will be paid in the amounts and under the conditions stated in Notice 96, Notice of Reward, for the arrest and conviction of persons accused of the following postal offenses:

(i) Robbery or attempted robbery.
(ii) Mailing bombs or poison.
(iii) Post office burglary.

(iv) Stealing or unlawful possession of mail or money or other property of the United States.

(v) Assault on postal employee.

(2) The postmaster or a designated employee should personally present reward signs to station agents, railroad detectives, police officers, sheriffs and their deputies, if practicable, and encourage their cooperation in protecting mail and Government property. (See 273.14 of the Administrative Support Manual).

NOTE: The text of Notice 96, referred to in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, reads as follows:

The United States Postal Service offers a reward up to the amounts shown for information and services leading to the arrest and conviction of any person for the following offenses:

Robbery, $10,000. Robbery or attempted robbery of any custodian of any mail, or money or other property of the United States under the control and jurisdiction of the United States Postal Service, if such custodian is not wounded or killed, or the custodian's life jeopardized; but NOT TO EXCEED $5,000 if the custodian is not wounded or killed, or his life jeopardized.

Bombs or Explosives, $10,000. Mailing or causing to be mailed any bombs or explo

sives which may kill or harm another, or injure the mails or other property, or the placing of any bomb or explosive in a postal facility, vehicle, depository or receptacle established, approved or designated by the Postmaster General for the receipt of mail. Burglary of Post Office, $5,000. Breaking into, or attempting to break into a post office, station, branch, or a building used wholly or partially as a post office with intent to commit a larceny or other depredation in that part used as a post office.

Poisons, Controlled Substances, or Hazardous Materials, $1,000. Mailing or causing to be mailed any poison, controlled substances or hazardous materials.

Theft of Mail, $1,000. Theft or attempted theft of any mail, or the contents thereof, or the theft of money or any other property of the United States under the custody and control of the United States Postal Service from any custodian, postal vehicle, railroad depot, airport, or other transfer point, post office or station or receptacle or depository established, approved, or designated by the Postmaster General for the receipt of mail. Offenses Involving Postal Money Orders, $1,000.

Altering, counterfeiting, forging, and unlawful uttering or passing of postal money orders.

Obstruction of Mail, $1,000. Obstructing or retarding the passage of mail, or any carrier or conveyance carrying the mail.

Assault on Postal Employees, $1,000. Forcibly assaulting any officer or employee of the Postal Service while engaged in or on account of the performance of their official duties.

RELATED OFFENSES

The United States Postal Service also offers rewards as stated above for information and services leading to the arrest and conviction of any person:

1. for being an accessory to any of the above crimes;

2. for receiving or having unlawful possession of any mail, money or property secured through the above crimes;

3. for conspiracy to commit any of the above crimes.

GENERAL PROVISIONS

1. The Postal Inspection Service investigates the above described crimes. Information concerning these violations, and requests for applications for rewards, should be furnished to the nearest Postal Inspector.

2. The term "custodian" as used herein includes any person having lawful charge, control, or custody of any mail matter, or any money or other property of the United States under the control and jurisdiction of the United States Postal Service.

3. The amount of any reward will be based on the importance of services rendered, character of the offender, risks and hazards involved, time spent, and expenses incurred. Amounts of rewards shown above are the maximum amounts which will be paid. Maximum rewards will be paid only when services rendered contributed significantly to the arrest and conviction of the offender.

4. The Postal Service reserves the right to reject a claim for reward where there has been collusion, criminal involvement, or improper methods have been used to effect an arrest or to secure a conviction. It has the right to allow only one reward when several persons were convicted of the same offense, or one person was convicted of several of the above offenses.

5. A written claim for reward payment must be submitted to the nearest Postal Inspector within six months from the date of conviction of the offender, or the date of formally deferred prosecution or the date of his death, if killed in committing a crime or resisting lawful arrest for one of the above offenses.

[36 FR 4673, Mar. 12, 1971, as amended at 42 FR 4123, Jan. 24, 1977; 42 FR 43836, Aug. 31, 1977. Redesignated and amended at 46 FR 34330, July 1, 1981; 47 FR 26832, June 22, 1982]

§ 233.3 Mail covers.

(a) Policy. The U.S. Postal Service maintains rigid controls and supervision with respect to the use of mail covers as investigative or law enforcement techniques.

(b) Scope. These regulations constitute the sole authority and procedure for initiating, processing, placing and using mail covers.

(c) Definitions. For purposes of these regulations, the following terms are hereby defined:

(1) "Mail cover" is the process by which a record is made of any data appearing on the outside cover of any class of mail matter, including checking the contents of any second-, third-, or fourth-class mail matter as now sanctioned by law, in order to obtain information in the interest of (i) protecting the national security, (ii) locating a fugitive, or (iii) obtaining evidence of commission or attempted commission of a crime.

(2) "Fugitive" is any person who has fled from the United States or any State, territory, the District of Columbia, or possession of the United States,