[Scan-DC] Report: DC homeland security agency loses emergency radios

[b_thom at juno.com]

http://www.examiner.com/a-1230936~Report__DC_homeland_security_agency_los
es_emergency_radios.html

http://tinyurl.com/yo2cmu

Report: DC homeland security agency loses emergency radios
Feb 20, 2008 7:44 AM (5 hrs ago) AP 

WASHINGTON (Map, News) - A report from the D.C. inspector general finds
the city's homeland security agency has lost dozens of emergency radios
worth a total of $250,000.

The report was obtained by The Examiner through a Freedom of Information
Act request.

The investigation began in 2004 when a person complained after purchasing
a radio on the Web that turned out to be stolen from the city.

A subsequent audit found that the agency could only account for 73 of its
151 radios. The report says the radios, worth $3,200 each, were left at
an unsecured location and were issued without employees filling out
sign-out forms.

The report says the loss of the radios "compromises the integrity and
security" of the region by allowing outsiders to access emergency
communications.

A D.C. homeland security spokeswoman said the agency has since
strengthened its inventory tracking procedures.

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Information from: The Washington Examiner, http://www.examiner.com

Copyright 2007 The Associated Press.