UNITED STATES POSTAL INSPECTION SERVICE

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VII. Principles The following principles will help guide relationships among all law enforcement participants in this initiative regarding policy, planning, training, supervision and public relations. All agencies participating in the initiative agree these principles will serve as a basis to mediate any disputes that arise during its operation. VIIL Recognition of Authority The SANTA ANA POLICE DEPARTMENT recognizes the U.S. Postal Inspection Service is the principle Federal Law Enforcement Agency responsible for the investigation and enforcement of Federal laws regarding the U.S. Mail, use of the mails, and property in the custody of the U.S. Postal Service, as well as other Postal offenses. The SANTA ANA POLICE DEPARTMENT understands U.S. Mail under the custody or control of USPS is sealed against inspection and cannot be opened except under the authority of a Federal Search Warrant issued pursuant to Rule 41 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, or by consent from the sender and/or addressee of the mail piece. The SANTA ANA POLICE DEPARTMENT may not, in any manner, detain or otherwise interfere with U.S. Mail, or record information from mail matter unless specifically authorized to do so by a U.S. Postal Inspector. IX. Administration Because this Memorandum of Understanding outlines a cooperative endeavor on the pail of all the participants, the policy, program involvement, and direction of this initiative should be joint responsibilities of the enforcement supervisors of the participants. Therefore, the cases will be jointly investigated and no particular participating agency will prevail over another or will act unilaterally. The participants (or designated representatives) will meet regularly as agreed upon to discuss investigations related to the above mentioned offenses. X. Jurisdiction The determination as to whether a case will be prosecuted federally or by the appropriate county or state authority will be based upon which level of prosecution will best serve the interest of justice consistent with the overall mission objectives of the initiative. XI. Supervision In order to affect efficient field operations, operational supervision of the personnel assigned to the Cl2 SOUTH TASK FORCE, while working on initiatives or investigations directly related to the Cl2 SOUTH TASK FORCE, will be the responsibility of a designated field supervisory officer. For the Cl2 SOUTH TASK FORCE the field supervisory officer is the U.S. Postal Inspector/Team Leader (TFS) in charge of the Cl2 SOUTH TASK FORCE. On matters not related to the Cl2 SOUTH TASK FORCE, assigned personnel will continue to be subject to the established lines of supervision of their respective agencies.