March 25, 1998
Just more than a year ago the Post Office established its new Security and Investigations division in response to increasing incidents of mail violation. I am pleased to be able to say that we are winning the battle against crime in the Post Office.
Over the past year a Crime Awareness Campaign – located within the broader strategy nationally spearheaded by the Ministry for Safety and Security – has been developed, with 24 different action plans identified and implementation is almost complete. These plans identify clear time frames and individuals responsible for implementation.
The plans include
Reviewing all security policies and procedures Developing a code of ethics to be signed by all employees Introducing a code of conduct for all security personnel Establishing crime prevention forums throughout the country Developing an integrated security data base Offering rewards for information leading to successful arrests Establishing security structure according to the needs in various region Training and re-training of personnel Reviewing all Post Office procedures Reviewing the physical environment of postal operations and ensuring they are secure, and Implementing a comprehensive communications strategy
I am determined to use all legitimate methods – both overt and covert – to root out crime and in this regard the entrapment procedures and policies are being reviewed as part of the Crime Awareness Campaign.
Each of the action plans mentioned focus on the priority crimes. These have been identified as mail violation, unlawful delay of mail, theft, fraud, armed robberies housebreaking and postage evasion.
We are also auditing systems and books, building partnerships with stakeholders, beefing up security at post offices, employing security guards and negotiating human resources issues such as access control, re-evaluating the disciplinary code and the reporting of incidents. Progress is monitored by the Strategic Transformation Committee comprising representatives from management and unions.
These action plans, which form part of the Crime Awareness Campaign, have already borne fruit as indicated in replies to questions tabled in Parliament today.
The Crime Busters Toll-Free (0 800 033 554) line has also been successful. Since its launch in August last year, it has been receiving around 60 calls a day resulting in 140 cases presently being investigated.
This is evidence that the slogan of this campaign which is You Steal the Mail, You Go To Jail is just not wishful thinking on our part. The message to those people who think that they can continue to abuse the democratic right of our people to use postal system without having their mail violated is that you will be caught and you will prosecuted and you will go to jail.
It is appropriate for me to acknowledge the unions and their role in rallying their members behind this campaign.
I want to assure the customers that we are serious about fighting crime. I have met with the Post Office's top customers as well as the management of the Direct Marketing Association and listened to them. We are doing everything we can to improve the situation, and we are doing it speedily and effectively.
Postal crime is the number one enemy of everyone in the post office and of all users of the postal system. It threatens the financial viability and sustainability of the Post Office.
Without a viable post office our new democracy may also be threatened as a postal service is the most basic and common means by which information can be communicated and good delivered. Postal services are a basic link between people and an important medium of communication for business and commerce.
Contact: Mandy Jean Woods Phone: (021) 462-1632 or fax (021) 462-1646