Responsibility of postmasters

§ 2209. Responsibility of postmasters (a) A postmaster is responsible for— (1) the due performance of the duties including the collection of the revenue of the post office; and (2) the safekeeping of all monies, accountable paper, and other property of the post office, or coming into the custody of the office. (b) Postmasters shall keep all money collected at a post office, or which may come into the custody of a post office, without— (1) loaning; (2) using; (3) depositing in an unauthorized bank; or (4) exchanging for other funds; until it is required, by order or regulation of the Postmaster General, to be transferred or paid out. (c) A postmaster at an office in a city or town where there is no designated depository may make temporary deposits of money in his custody, in a national bank or State bank— (1) in the State where the postmaster resides; or (2) in the State in which the post office is located; or (3) within a reasonable radius of his post office in an adjacent State. 74 Stat. 597 The postmaster shall make the deposits in his official capacity and at his own risk. Interest may not be paid or received on a deposit made in accordance with this subsection. (d) Except when an acting postmaster has been appointed under section 3315 (c) of this title a postmaster shall be responsible for acts of— (1) persons acting in his place during his absence; and (2) assistants and other employees in the post office, its branches and stations.