Notice2026-03217
Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
February 19, 2026
Effective
March 23, 2026
Issuing agencies
Postal Service
Abstract
The United States Postal Service[supreg] (USPS[supreg]) is proposing to create a new General Privacy Act System of Records (SOR) to support an initiative that will enhance the mental health, resilience, and operational performance of personnel within the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) by implementing a structured Peer Support Program.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 33 (Thursday, February 19, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 33 (Thursday, February 19, 2026)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8026-8027]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-03217]
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POSTAL SERVICE
Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
AGENCY: Postal Service.
ACTION: Notice of new systems of records.
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SUMMARY: The United States Postal Service[supreg] (USPS[supreg]) is
proposing to create a new General Privacy Act System of Records (SOR)
to support an initiative that will enhance the mental health,
resilience, and operational performance of personnel within the U.S.
Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) by implementing a structured Peer
Support Program.
DATES: These revisions will become effective without further notice on
March 23, 2026, unless comments received before that date result in a
contrary determination.
ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted via email to the Privacy and
Records Management Office, United States Postal Service Headquarters at
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ca9f999a999ab8a3bcaba9b38cafae98afad84a5bea3a9af8abfb9bab9e4ada5bc"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f6a3a5a6a5a6849f8097958fb09392a49391b899829f9593b683858685d8919980">[email protected]</span></a>. To facilitate public inspection,
arrangements to view copies of any written comments received will be
made upon request.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Janine Castorina, Chief Privacy and
Records Management Officer, Privacy and Records Management Office, 202-
268-2000 or <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e7b2b4b7b4b7958e9186849ea18283b58280a988938e8482a792949794c9808891"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4e1b1d1e1d1e3c27382f2d37082b2a1c2b2900213a272d2b0e3b3d3e3d60292138">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This notice is in accordance with the
Privacy Act requirement that agencies publish their systems of records
in the Federal Register when there is a revision, change, or addition,
or when the agency establishes a new system of records. The Postal
Service has determined that the creation of a new USPS Privacy system
of records is necessary.
USPIS personnel operate in demanding and stressful environments--
investigating crimes, managing threats, and encountering traumatic
events. Although the USPS Employee Assistance Program (EAPs) provides
professional resources, a more specialized level of support is needed
due to the unique challenges faced by law enforcement personnel,
inherent stigma, lack of trust, and limited law enforcement cultural
competency. The USPIS Peer Support Program will address these gaps by
offering informal, confidential, and relatable support from trained
colleagues who understand the unique pressures of the job.
I. Background
As a third-party application the USPIS Peer Support Program will
provide an opportunity for law enforcement officers and professional
staff who feel a need to communicate their feelings about their jobs,
their home life, or a combination of the two in a secure and trusted
environment that protects confidentiality. Eligible USPIS personnel may
voluntarily participate in the peer support program with other officers
that are trained to assist. The peer support program is appropriately
structured and uses volunteer peer counselors that are formally trained
by mental health professionals in topical areas such as counseling
skills, crisis theory and intervention, early warning signs of
prolonged or acute stress, suicide assessment, alcohol and substance
abuse, and other matters that require confidentiality. The USPIS Peer
Support Program will identify, train, and deploy selected employees as
volunteer peer supporters to provide confidential, non-clinical
emotional support and resource navigation. This program will be
integrated with existing wellness initiatives and aligned with agency
policies and federal best practices. Communication and program
management will be accessed through a peer support management software
that will facilitate enrollment and scheduling.
All peer support program sessions are confidential and are not
shared outside of the one-on-one discussions between individual
participants and peer counselors.
II. Rationale for Creation of a New USPS Privacy Act Systems of Records
The Peer Support Program will provide USPIS personnel with vital
tools for coping with occupational stress, fostering a supportive
culture, and maintaining mission-critical performance. The investment
in mental well-being will yield long-term returns in workforce
stability, safety, and effectiveness.
Key Features
Selection & Training: Voluntary peer supporters will undergo
comprehensive training in active listening, confidentiality, crisis
response, and referral protocols.
Confidentiality: Interactions will be confidential to the fullest
extent permitted by law, ensuring trust and psychological safety.
Accessibility: Supporters will be available across all divisions
and shifts, ensuring broad access and support during and after critical
incidents.
Integration: Coordination with Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
and mental health professionals to ensure a continuum of care.
Evaluation: Ongoing program assessment and data-driven improvements
will be embedded from the outset.
Expected Benefits or Outcome:
Enhanced emotional resilience and early intervention for stress and
trauma
Reduced stigma around seeking help for mental health concerns
Increased employee morale, retention, and productivity
Improved readiness and capacity to respond to high-risk incidents
III. Description of the New or Modified System of Records
Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(11), interested persons are invited to
submit written data, views, arguments or comments on this proposal. A
report of the proposed new SOR has been sent to Congress and to the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for their evaluation. The Postal
Service does not expect this new system of records to have any adverse
effect on individual privacy rights. The new SOR is provided below in
its entirety.
SYSTEM NAME AND NUMBER:
700.050 United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Peer
Support Program
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION:
None.
[[Page 8027]]
SYSTEM LOCATION:
USPS Headquarters, Supplier cloud computing environment.
SYSTEM MANAGER(S):
Chief Postal Inspector, Inspection Service, United States Postal
Service, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20260.
AUTHORITY FOR MAINTENANCE OF THE SYSTEM:
39 U.S.C. 401, 403, 404, and 39 U.S.C. 406.
PURPOSE(S) OF THE SYSTEM:
1. To administer the USPIS Peer Support Program.
2. To facilitate enrollment and scheduling in the USPIS Peer
Support Program. Produce aggregate reports for activity frequency,
feedback, administrative usage rates and participation rates by
volunteers and users.
CATEGORIES OF INDIVIDUALS COVERED BY THE SYSTEM:
Eligible U.S. Postal Inspectors, Postal Police Officers, and USPIS
employees, selected contractors, and professional staff.
CATEGORIES OF RECORDS IN THE SYSTEM:
1. Participant. Peer Counselor, and Administrator information:
Name, user ID, user display name, user email address, user location,
phone number, SMS text, user preferred contact method, user biography,
user profile image (avatar), and employee ID.
2. Program information: Session ID, user agent, IP address, mobile
push notification token, organization location, user request, groups,
regions, agencies, states, and languages.
RECORD SOURCE CATEGORIES:
Volunteer participant's contact information and agreement to
participate.
Eligible USPIS personnel and volunteer peer counselors.
ROUTINE USES OF RECORDS MAINTAINED IN THE SYSTEM, INCLUDING CATEGORIES
OF USERS AND PURPOSES OF SUCH USES:
Standard routine uses 1. through 9.
POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR STORAGE OF RECORDS:
Automated database, computer storage media, digital files, and
paper files.
POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR RETRIEVAL OF RECORDS:
Records are retrievable by personal identifiers including first and
last name, user display name, email address, and phone number,
volunteer metrics and aggregate use.
POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR RETENTION AND DISPOSAL OF RECORDS:
1. Records of voluntary participants, as well as administrative and
scheduling records are maintained while participants are actively
enrolled in the program.
ADMINISTRATIVE, TECHNICAL, AND PHYSICAL SAFEGUARDS:
Paper records, computers, and computer storage media are located in
controlled-access areas under supervision of program personnel. Access
to the facility is limited to authorized personnel, who must be
identified with a badge. The facility is not open to the public. Access
to records is limited to individuals whose official duties require such
access.
Contractors and licensees are subject to contract controls and
unannounced on-site audits and inspections. Computers are protected by
mechanical locks, card key systems, or other physical access control
methods.
The use of computer systems is regulated with installed security
software, computer logon identifications, and operating system controls
including access controls, terminal and transaction logging, and file
management software. Access is controlled by logon ID and password.
Online data transmissions are protected by encryption.
RECORD ACCESS PROCEDURES:
Requests for access must be made in accordance with the
Notification Procedure above and USPS Privacy Act regulations regarding
access to records and verification of identity under 39 CFR 266.5.
CONTESTING RECORD ACCESS PROCEDURES:
See Notification Procedure and Record Access Procedures.
NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES:
Individuals wanting to know if information about them is maintained
in this system of records must address inquiries to the system manager
in writing. Inquiries should include name, address, email address and
other identifying information that confirms the requestor's identity.
EXEMPTIONS PROMULGATED FOR THE SYSTEM:
None.
HISTORY:
None.
Colleen Hibbert-Kapler,
Attorney, Ethics and Legal Compliance.
[FR Doc. 2026-03217 Filed 2-18-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on February 19, 2026.
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