In the past year, the number of robberies targeting postal carriers in the United States has seen a worrying increase, with the number of injuries nearly doubling. Despite the U.S. Postal Service's efforts to combat postal crime through Project Safe Delivery, the rise in robberies and injuries persisted.

Project Safe Delivery, launched last year, aimed to intensify efforts to address the growing rates of robberies targeting letter carriers. While the crackdown resulted in hundreds of arrests and a slowdown in robberies towards the end of the year, the overall number of postal carriers being robbed increased in 2023. Additionally, the number of carriers who suffered injuries nearly doubled as criminals continue to target them for their antiquated "arrow keys" that grant access to mailboxes.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, legislation is set to be introduced in Congress this week. The proposed bill seeks to expedite the replacement of tens of thousands of mailbox keys, enhance prosecutions, and review sentencing guidelines. Such measures are necessary to ensure the safety of letter carriers on their routes.

Last year alone, postal carrier robberies surged by almost 30%, reaching a total of 643 incidents. Moreover, the number of robberies resulting in injuries doubled to 61, according to figures provided by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in response to a Freedom of Information Act request from The Associated Press. Over the past decade, robberies have grown sixfold, and the number of postal carriers held at gunpoint has increased even more, as highlighted in an analysis of postal statistics.

Project Safe Delivery, launched in May, achieved significant results, with over 1,200 arrests for mail thefts and letter carrier robberies. To address trouble spots like Chicago, San Francisco, and various cities in Ohio, targeted law enforcement surges were carried out by the Postal Inspection Service. As part of the effort, more than 10,000 high-security blue boxes were deployed at high-risk locations, and nearly 30,000 electronic locks were installed on mail receptacles.

The results of Project Safe Delivery demonstrate progress, as postal robberies decreased by 19% in the last five months. Additionally, arrests for letter carrier robberies have increased by 73% in the current fiscal year, according to Jeff Adams, a spokesperson for the postal service. However, recognizing that more work needs to be done, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy emphasized that their pursuit of criminals targeting postal workers and mail remains relentless.

Concerns were raised when a federal judge in San Francisco recently sentenced a perpetrator to just 30 days in prison after holding a gun to a postal carrier's head. Postal leaders and the letter carrier union strongly condemned the lenient sentence. U.S. Attorney Kenneth Parker emphasized that such incidents not only traumatize carriers but also pose a threat to democracy, as the mail is utilized for sending ballots and other important items.

In response to the escalating robberies, a bipartisan bill is expected to be introduced in Congress. The proposed legislation aims to allocate federal funds to replace antiquated keys with electronic versions that hold no value for criminals. Additionally, all 93 U.S. attorneys would be required to assign a prosecutor specialized in postal crimes, and sentencing guidelines for such offenses would be reviewed.

The president of the National Association of Letter Carriers, Brian Renfroe, emphasized that this legislation is crucial to protect dedicated postal service workers while ensuring that criminals are held accountable. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, the lead sponsor of the bill in the House, highlighted its importance in punishing criminals to the fullest extent of the law.

These alarming trends have had a lasting impact on the mental and physical well-being of postal carriers. Jeremiah Grant, a former postal carrier in Oklahoma City, decided to switch roles after being held up at gunpoint and experiencing subsequent difficulties sleeping. Similarly, Tijuana Abbott, a Houston mail carrier, experienced an attempted rape and a robbery of her arrow key. Both individuals express frustration with the perceived lack of action by postal leadership to address the problem.

While federal law allows for sentences of up to 10 years for assaulting a postal worker and up to 25 years for subsequent offenses, the recent lenient sentencing in San Francisco has sparked concerns. The National Association of Letter Carriers believes that a stronger public perception of the consequences for targeting postal employees is essential.

As the rise in postal robberies and injuries continues to threaten the safety of letter carriers and the integrity of mail delivery, urgent action is needed. The introduction of new legislation, along with the replacement of antiquated keys and enhanced law enforcement efforts, could bring about much-needed change.