Hidden spy cameras discovered at United States post office, installation confirmed by USPIS

A hidden camera disappeared just after an hour of being discovered at a Denver local post office, Fox31 Denver reported. People became alarmed that they are being watched as they drop-off their mails with the possibility of the camera collecting their facial features and information on license plates.

MUNTINLUPA, PHILIPPINES (Catholic Online) - Staff at the post office said that they are unaware of such device installed, confirming it was not part of the building security system.

However, reporter Chris Halsne found out that the camera was deployed and operated by the United State Postal Inspection Service which the agency admitted, adding there are a number of them installed at their disposal.

Through an email sent to Fox31 Denver, Federal Law Enforcement Agent and Postal Inspector, Pamela Durkee said that the hidden cameras were deployed not to do routine nor random monitoring.

"Cameras are deployed for law enforcement or security purposes, which may include the security of our facilities, the safety of our customers and employees, or for criminal investigations. Employees of the Postal Inspection Service are sworn to uphold the United States Constitution, including protecting the privacy of the American public," Durkee explained.

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But according to an investigation, there were no warrants issued related to any crime that would prompt a need for the USPIS to install surveillance cameras.

Atty. Lee Tien of the San-Francisco based Electronic Frontier Foundation said that the federal agency has to explain why it is doing so, as a part of their responsibility in upholding the constitution.

He also explained that this is alarming, considering the sensitivity of the information they are collecting and storing, which could be used in "the kinds of ways that would not be overseen by any kind of court or independent third party."

Concerned agencies could not provide a written detention policy on how long information could be kept by USPIS.

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