Well, I've angered the Federal Gov't.

[Mute]

Name the USPS and the Supervisor separately in 2 different lawsuits. That way, that jackass, perhaps, won't be able to get the govt. to waste taxpayer's money defending him. As to your financial standing, find a lawyer who'll work on contingency.

 

[CZ-75]

I concur that you shouldn't drop your guard, even if the situation seems "resolved."

Best defense is a strong offense.

Nothing to say that you won't be singled out for future special treatment or that this issue won't die down, then be sprung again.

As for "verbal orders," BS on that. This becomes a "he said, she said" thing. The guy can say that he told you to wear red, white and blue underwear, too. If you don't, then you're in violation and insubordinate. All directives to you should be in writing.

You need to apprise yourself thoroughly of all employment rules and laws governing govt. employees specific to the situation. This could save lawyers fees.

As to not having $$$ for the lawyer, I guess that proves how fragile your rights really are. Deep pockets win. Evidence Rich at TFL and HCI suing him about the domain name.

 

[moa]

So, the PI's said you where now officially under investigation?

In that case, according to 18 USC, any attempt at lying or deception, if caught, is the same as committing felony perjury.

Either tell 100% the truth to the PIs, or better yet, say NOTHING. Saying nothing is your right it is not an admission of guilt.

Sell a few guns and get a lawyer. Wait! What did I say!

 

[Blackcloud6]

Consult your union. Get your own attorney. Keep your mouth shut, especially smart-aleck type comments or they will get you on insubordination or something like that. Be polite courtesous but firm. And did I say get an attorney?

 

[DCR]

If you hear from them again, you need legal assistance. Follow these 3 simple rules:

1. shut up
2. Shut Up.
3. SHUT UP!!

IIRC, postal inspectors are full-blown federal LEO's, with arrest authority, etc. If they can twist whatever you say to appear to be less than truthful, you can be charged with obstruction. If they come again, politely tell them you have nothing to say without the presence of a lawyer. Then get one on the double.

As federal officers, they've got to do mucho paperwork. If this investigation was for real, and not just a bullying session as a favor to somebody further up the chain, there will be a report on it. Try to get a copy of their report under FOIA. Because it may be characterized as a criminal investigation, though, you might be denied access. Nonetheless, it doesn't hurt to try. If you are successful, don't be too surprised to see "uncooperative" appear several times; in my experience that's LEO speak for "asserted constitutional rights and refused to answer or lawyered-up."

Hopefully this little episode is over; kudos to you for putting everybody in their place!

 

[Quartus]

Listen to what we are telling you! Keep a diary! Get one of those little spiral bound notebooks (pocket sized) and keep it with you at all times! Write it all down and knock off the smart mouth. That isn't standing up for your rights - that's just leading with your chin.


Then write to and call your Congresscritters. Really! If they move on your behalf, you will get results.

 

[Standing Wolf]

A former employer harrassed me for putting up my better targets in my cubicle—but another employee's P.E.T.A. posters were okay in his cubicle.

You'll notice I mentioned a former employer.

 

[Gordon]

Well if we hear youve'gone postal' we will know you were framed ,buddy. Personally I wouldn't have brought target nor wear a holster in a place of business unless they both had official purpose. I love to see you harrassing the pukes though , just use your head, my brother(in arms) and not the ego!

 

[Selfdfenz]

You gotta figure that the USPS is pretty gun sensitive due to some of the shooting issues over the past few years.

The terrorism thing has also hit them so they are looking for splinters on every plank they handle.

Don't know about your situation but if looking for something else to do is an option you might want to give it some thought.

The best time to look for a job is while you still have one and given their mind set sounds like you will be a lot happier someplace where the handlers don't have so many issues with the small stuff.

It's a shame our society requires the need for a lawyer all to often just to get from one day to the next.
If you are an NRA member you might give them a call and see if they have a lawyer that would be willing to speak with you. Doubt it, but just a thought.

S-

 

[mikearion]

Honestly, I wouldn't put my energy into that fight. Just tell em you think they are paranoid because obviously they are.

Next time they ask what type gun you own just tell em it's a "deadly one" like all guns protected by the U.S. Constitution.

Regards,
Mike

 

[Mark Benningfield]

Update

Hello All.

Thanks folks, once again, for all the good advice and input. Yep, I'm keeping notes on every single incident, and luckily, my shop foreman was there when my supervisor gave the OK for the holster. I'm having lunch with some of my kinfolks tomorrow (my birthday, don't you know ) for a strategy session and to see about rounding up enough scratch to at least get a few legal inquiries made. BTW, the only part of the holster anyone EVER saw was the belt loops; it's an IWB holster. It's not like I was walking in with my Laredoan strong-side six-gun rig on my hip.

I have found out that the focus of the investigation is if I contributed to or created a Hostile Work Environment. How's that for subjective? I tell ya, the absurdity within the Postal Service has to be seen to be believed. It's no wonder they don't have any money!

Anyways, that's the latest. I'll keep you posted, and for those of you who are so inclined, prayers are, as always, much appreciated.

 

[mons meg]

I guess I am confused...what outcomes worse than reprimanding you or firing you can there be? Under what circumstances could they possibly search and/or seize property without any actual crime taking place?

 

[Big_R]

Mark:

I'm not sure if this applies to the federal folks or not, but the company I work for had a class on harassment, etc. In order for a situation to be considered hostile, it has to be considered by a judge as reasonable. The sexual harassment laws are basically the same, so for example, saying a co-worker looks nice today would not be considered harassment. Yes, it is subjective, but all the cases I know about that I considered frivelous were dismissed by a judge. Just because someone may have been offended, does not make the situation hostile or offensive to a reasonable person. The bad part is, there is no compensation for the accused to recoupe the money paid to the lawer.

I agree with the previous statements about keeping your words to a minimum. Remember, a man's worst enemy is his own tongue.

Unfortunately, I have found that putting someone under investigation is just about as bad as them being found guilty. These things have a way of showing up during promotion interviews, etc. Not fair.

Ryan

 

[Master Blaster]

Well, I ve read the responses you rec'd here.

My opinion:

While you are at work follow your bosses rules.

If you can't Quit and find another job.

As a responsible gun owner and a postal employee you should realize that there are some folks who do not share your enthusiasm for the shooting sports. They dont own guns and have an unreasonable and irrational fear of them. You should recognize and respect this. Lose the holster and dont talk openly about shooting at work. Save that for after work range trips and discussions with co-workers who have expressed an interest, or share your enthusiasm for the sport.

There have been several incidents at the post office in recent years were an employee brought in a gun and shot his coworkers and supervisors. This tends to make folks a bit paranoid especially if they dont share our sport.

Hiring a lawyer and defying the postal inspectors is a good way to get in to a pissing contest, and the government can afford to piss alot longer and harder than you ever can.

You did the right thing refusing to answer personal questions about your gun collection. The inspectors were on a fishing expedition, looking to hang you with volunteered information.
That is their job.

I would write a polite letter to your supervisor and copy the union, point out your good work record, and you previous stellar conduct. Mention that it is in the PO's best interest to retain dedicated competent lawabiding workers like yourself.
Mention that you did not seek to offend or frighten anyone by discussing your hobby. Mention you will refrain form discussing topics unrelated to work in the future. Dont mention the word gun or firearm or shooting anywhere in the letter, refer to it as your hobby or sport.

If your boss was say a catholic you would refrain from discussing why you think the pope is a hypocrit out of common courtesy, right????

You boss is a hopolophobe so dont discuss guns in his earshot.

Pick your friends at work carefully, here where I work, there are a few firearms enthusiasts, I only discuss guns with them behind closed doors.

Dont volunteer any information to the inspectors, dont mention hiring a lawyer, record any future discussion with them and say as little as possible.

If they threaten any arrest or legal action (doubt that will happen) then clam up and hire a lawyer.

JMHO YMMV

 

[buzz_knox]

1. The hostile work environment thing is crap, as your actions weren't based on a protected classification (i.e. race, sex, national origin, religion).

2. Don't tick off your boss by being a smart alec. Insubordination and conduct detrimental to the service are both punishable offenses, and you're probably getting close to the border line there. And the MSPB will give great deference to the choice of punishments. You'd have to prove that someone did something comparable in a nearly identical situation and wasn't punished as severely.

 

[coonan357]

I am Not a Lawyer or intend to be one (thats what El Tej does ) If I was in this situation I would get that first free counseling from one to see what they have to say , as for the holster why Are you wearing one CCW? as for the hostile work enviorment sound like its your boss thats creating the problem not you , I just left one where the terminal manager started calling me Names and obcentitys , got no reply from me but , the whole office heard him ( can youu say cut your own throat ) I should sue him but he isn't worth my time , and his managers are not looking to happily at him now either , as for this , lay low take notes , and always have someone witness any type of talking with superiors , and have a Happy Birthday !!