Information Technology

Opening quote: To safeguard the Inspection Service's network from cyberattacks, minimize security risks, and prevent intruders from accessing the network, ITD enhanced virus-protection systems, firewalls, and intrusion-detection systems.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service maintains a secure and reliable information technology infrastructure, ensuring that strategic and effective information resources are available to meet organizational goals and priorities. The growth of electronic commerce, the globalization of business, and the rapid pace of change present new and exciting challenges for all law enforcement agencies.

The Information Technology Division (ITD) provides leadership and direction in support of Postal Inspection Service imperatives. ITD staff strive to improve the Inspection Service's investigative capabilities by developing integrated business systems, providing rapid access to data, implementing emerging technologies, and upgrading its technology infrastructure and capabilities.

ITD deployed 1,250 new computers with Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional and Microsoft Office XP software for Inspection Service employees, and the same software was installed on 2,250 network computers. High-performance network printers were provided at strategic office sites. ITD staff also added Web-based applications to the Postal Inspection Service's Intranet site and integrated new national applications into the Inspection Service Integrated Database. ITD staff continue to upgrade the Inspection Service Data Base Information System in line with strategic goals.

ITD staff this past fiscal year facilitated information-sharing by providing Postal Inspectors with postings related to anthrax mailings, mail security data, and the Anthrax Reporting Incident System (ARIS) on the Inspection Service's Intranet site. (More information on ARIS can be found in the Other Prohibited Mailings section of this report.) ITD also deployed new business systems during FY 2002, including Phase II of Mathematical Analysis by Route of Irregularities, Air Transport of Mail (MARIA), the FY 2002 National Scorecard, the Recruitment Application Processing System (RAPS), the National Leadership and Training Conference (NL&TC) Web site, and the Bait Money Order System.

ITD staff coordinates the Postal Inspection Service's information systems security program to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data and operations. To safeguard the Inspection Service's network from cyberattacks, minimize security risks, and prevent intruders from accessing the network, ITD enhanced virus- protection systems, firewalls, and intrusion-detection systems. A network security vulnerability audit was performed by the Postal Service's OIG to identify potential security risks and recommend remedial action, if necessary.

ITD staff regularly attend meetings held by the Department of Justice's Technology Policy Council, which shares information on new law enforcement technologies with member agencies. Led by the Deputy Attorney General, the Policy Council holds quarterly meetings chaired by the director of the National Institute of Justice of the Office of Science and Technology.