Like the question says, can local police enforce state and local laws on post office property, or does only the Postal Inspector have that authority?
Some federal property is outside state jurisdiction, but newer federal properties often fall under state jurisdiction. In those cases, local cops can enforce state and local laws normally, as long as it doesn’t interfere with federal interests. Other post offices are under exclusive federal jurisdiction, but there’s usually an agreement in place that allows local police to operate. If a crime happens in an exclusive jurisdiction post office, it would need to be charged federally, but local cops can still arrest the person if there’s an agreement.
@Niko
Can you explain more about how a state doesn’t cover certain areas within its own borders? Isn’t it usually state law for state jurisdiction, and federal for federal?
Dara said:
@Niko
Can you explain more about how a state doesn’t cover certain areas within its own borders? Isn’t it usually state law for state jurisdiction, and federal for federal?
Sure. The Constitution’s Article I gives Congress the authority:
> To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, by Cession of particular States, and the Acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of Government of the United States, and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings;
This allows for what’s called federal enclave jurisdiction. Here, a state can give up some jurisdiction to the federal government, originally to keep states from interfering with federal activities. But since WWII, the federal approach changed to rarely seek new enclaves. Some existing ones even had parts of their jurisdiction given back to the states.
Federal enclaves have either exclusive or concurrent jurisdiction. In exclusive enclaves, the state can’t enforce its laws within the property, and crimes there go to federal court. The federal laws for these places cover street crimes like theft and assault, and gaps in federal law are filled by using state law, though it’s still a federal case.
In concurrent jurisdiction enclaves, both the feds and the state can enforce their laws. A thief could be prosecuted in either state or federal court. In any case, federal law is supreme, and states can’t overrule federal law.
Nowadays, new federal properties are typically under state jurisdiction, so the state handles most crimes. But, federal offices and property still fall under federal authority, meaning state officers can’t interfere in federal operations, like raiding an FBI office.
@Niko
Wow. Amazing answer. Thanks for taking the time to respond.
Usually, police have joint jurisdiction unless specifically restricted. It’s not like every post office has a Postal Inspector on-site.