It's certainly not unusual to find an empty mailbox every now and then when you go to check your mail—and that's only gotten more likely thanks to policy changes and delivery delays. But at the end of the day, we all expect that the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will get our mail delivered to us at some point. In some cases, however, there might be a larger problem at play. The USPS can suspend its service for a number of reasons, and some U.S. residents have just learned this the hard way. Read on to find out where the agency has halted deliveries, and what's behind the suspension.
RELATED: USPS Is Now Warning Customers About This Major Mail Problem.
The USPS just suspended service for some Santa Monica, California residents.
The Postal Service has halted its service for some residents in Santa Monica, California, CBS News reported on April 10. According to the news outlet, residents recently received notices from the USPS explaining that "delivery service is hereby suspended to all addresses located on the 13-hundred block of 14th street" in one Santa Monica neighborhood.
The residents were told that they have to go to their local post office to pick up their mail in person. But Clayton Canning, who lives in affected area, told CBS News that the postal agency has continued to deliver packages to residents in this area. "Since the suspension of daily mail has occurred, USPS still does come to our block—exclusive for delivering packages —no paper mail (or) envelopes, just packages," Canning said.
The agency said assaults on carriers prompted it to withdraw service to the area.
According to CBS News, the postal agency's decision to suspend its service in the Santa Monica neighborhood follows several assaults on carriers delivering mail. The USPS notice said that "multiple carriers have been subjected to assaults and threats of assault from an individual who has not been located or apprehended," per the news outlet.
Only one carrier assault has officially been reported, according to the Santa Monica Police Department. On Jan. 19, a report was filed, indicating that a mail carrier had been attacked with a broomstick by a resident who lives near the intersection of 14th Street and Arizona Avenue. The department's public information officer told CBS News that the suspect in question was well known, and that they've had several issues with him in the past.
RELATED:For more up-to-date information, sign up for our daily newsletter.
This is not the only reason the USPS might suspend service to residents.
According to the Postal Service's website, mail service is always subject to suspension and withdrawal from any area. The agency confirms on its website that "delivery service may be suspended when there is an immediate threat to the delivery employee, mail security, or postal property."
This is hardly the only reason the USPS says it might stop delivering mail to a resident or series of residents in one neighborhood, however. The agency can also choose not to provide service to certain people due to blocked mailboxes, overflowing mailboxes, hazardous conditions, travel obstructions, and loose animals. It's important to note that the Postal Service "does not enter into decisions to suspend service lightly," it said in its letter to residents in the impacted Santa Monica neighborhood, per Fox 11 Los Angeles.
The USPS has not said when it will lift this suspension.
A few residents in the Santa Monica neighborhood have said that they are upset over the Postal Service's decision, especially since it appears that the actions of just one person prompted the suspension. "My immediate reaction was just disappointment … frustration," resident Courtney Smith told CBS News.
According to news outlet, the USPS has not provided any information on when exactly it will end its suspension on mail service to the neighborhood. "The safety of our employees and of the mail they deliver to you is our highest concern. Until we can ensure the safety of both, delivery services will remain suspended," the agency stated in its notice, per Fox 11 Los Angeles.
And despite having its own law enforcement agency, the Postal Service has also not contacted Santa Monica Police in regards to the one carrier-attack report filed in January. "Not doing anything is not the solution," Smith said to CBS News.
RELATED: USPS Is Getting Rid of This Service, Effective Immediately.
Kali Coleman Kali Coleman is a Senior Editor at Best Life. Her primary focus is covering news, where she often keeps readers informed on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and up-to-date on the latest retail closures.Read moreFiled UnderCrime • Mail • NewsRead This NextUSPS Wants to Charge You More To Mail These
If approved, the new prices will go into effect this summer. April 7, 2022USPS Is Now Warning Customers About This
This issue has gotten worse over time, and now your mail could be in danger.March 29, 2022USPS Just Made This Major Update to Deliveries
The carrier is rolling out a new service for customers.March 24, 2022The Smart Man's Guide to Spotting Counterfeit Wine
That $2,000 bottle of Bourdeaux might be worth $20. Here’s how to be sure it’s the real thing.April 13, 2017The 5 Best Light-Bodied Red Wines for Extending Your Summer
Don't let September ruin a killer party. August 25, 201717 Insanely Cool New Luxury Bicycles for Spring
Meet the bikes that cost more than a car.March 31, 2017Best Life Essentials
You deserve the best. Live life to the fullest with these ultimate essentials.October 21, 2016This Is the Safest Way to Store Meat
Don't let that filet set you up for food poisoning. February 7, 2018Here Are the 10 Wealthiest Cryptocurrency Millionaires Under 40
Including one guy who is only 24 years-old!February 7, 2018This Is the Safest Way to Clean Your Floors
Keep your floors clean and looking brand new with this easy tip. February 8, 2018
