To initiate this surveillance, the department or agency has at least one hurdle to climb. First, they must submit the request in writing. Then … well, nothing. That is the entire hurdle.
Edit. Note: this is just the exterior of the mail that’s scanned.
Are they proposing opening every letter that goes in the mail too? And checking every memory card that gets sent?
Reminds me of this: The Post Office Is Spying on the Mail. Senators Want to Stop It: The USPS carries out warrantless surveillance on thousands of parcels every year. Lawmakers are working to end it—right now by Dell Cameron in Wired.
Edit. Note: this is just the exterior of the mail that’s scanned.