FBI still losing laptops and weapons
Missing FBI Laptops Still a Problem
Feb 12 3:57 PM US/Eastern
By PETE YOST
Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Three or four FBI laptop computers are lost or stolen each month and the agency is unable to say in many instances whether information on the machines is sensitive or classified, the Justice Department's inspector general said Monday.
The IG said the FBI is reducing the number of thefts and disappearances of weapons and laptop computers, but the bureau acknowledged in a statement that "more needs to be done."
The Boston field office reported a stolen laptop containing software for creating identification badges. The laboratory division at Quantico, Va., said that a stolen laptop contained names, addresses and phone numbers of FBI personnel. The New Orleans field office reported a stolen laptop that had been used to process surveillance- related electronic digital imaging.
"Perhaps most troubling, the FBI could not determine in many cases whether the lost or stolen laptop computers contained sensitive or classified information," said the Justice Department IG's stated. "Such information may include case information, personal identifying information or classified information on FBI operations."
Of the 160 laptops lost or stolen over a 44-month period, 10 contained sensitive or classified information. The bureau did not have records on whether 51 others contained such data.
In a report five years ago, the inspector general said 354 weapons and 317 laptop computers were lost or stolen during a 28-month review.
The new report found that 160 weapons were lost or stolen during the 44-month period studied.
"Making progress' may seem like a win for the FBI, but it's unacceptable when you're talking about lost weapons and computers with sensitive information," said Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa.
Feb 12 3:57 PM US/Eastern
By PETE YOST
Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Three or four FBI laptop computers are lost or stolen each month and the agency is unable to say in many instances whether information on the machines is sensitive or classified, the Justice Department's inspector general said Monday.
The IG said the FBI is reducing the number of thefts and disappearances of weapons and laptop computers, but the bureau acknowledged in a statement that "more needs to be done."
The Boston field office reported a stolen laptop containing software for creating identification badges. The laboratory division at Quantico, Va., said that a stolen laptop contained names, addresses and phone numbers of FBI personnel. The New Orleans field office reported a stolen laptop that had been used to process surveillance- related electronic digital imaging.
"Perhaps most troubling, the FBI could not determine in many cases whether the lost or stolen laptop computers contained sensitive or classified information," said the Justice Department IG's stated. "Such information may include case information, personal identifying information or classified information on FBI operations."
Of the 160 laptops lost or stolen over a 44-month period, 10 contained sensitive or classified information. The bureau did not have records on whether 51 others contained such data.
In a report five years ago, the inspector general said 354 weapons and 317 laptop computers were lost or stolen during a 28-month review.
The new report found that 160 weapons were lost or stolen during the 44-month period studied.
"Making progress' may seem like a win for the FBI, but it's unacceptable when you're talking about lost weapons and computers with sensitive information," said Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa.
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What do you want to bet that no real disciplinary action was taken against the "losers". 0 -
thats pretty insane man. 0 -
Well, at least we aren't hearing about FBI agents driving from Houston to Tampa, while only wearing diapers, to whack somebody... 0 -
give it some time, it might happen !! 0 -
Sounds like fabulous equipment and inventory control. Don't they sign anything out, or audit??
F amous B ut I ncompetent0 -
Here's an idea: STOP USING LAPTOPS!!!!! If they use only desktop computers or computers hardwired into their vehicles, they won't have to worry about loosing any.
If they're loosing weapons, then stop giving weapons to agents. Make them turn them in at the end of the shift to the nearest government arms room.0 -
How does an FBI agent or unit or whatever lose a weapon? Makes one wonder what is going on in Homeland Security.
Of course, old J Edgar and Clyde never lost a weapon, they always hid them in their pantyhose.[;)]0
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