State Department not screening mail at overseas posts

The State Department is not screening its mail at overseas posts, causing security threats, according to a new report released Monday.

The agency’s inspector general released an audit detailing security shortcomings at diplomatic posts around the world, including a lack of emergency preparedness and failures to prevent unauthorized personnel from entering compounds.

Although the inspector general could not reveal significant security vulnerabilities in detail because of their classified nature, the watchdog said the State Department is failing to take fundamental steps to ensure security.

“OIG determined that, despite recent improvements, the Department’s management and oversight of security personnel is still lacking at posts overseas,” the inspector general said. “Local guard forces failed to perform contractually required duties, such as conducting access control, delivery, and mail screening.”

“If not addressed, these performance deficiencies could allow unauthorized personnel to access the compound or visitors to bring prohibited items into the compound,” they said.

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