 Every month, the FBI loses track of three to four laptop computers, some of which contain classified or sensitive information, according to a report released Monday by the inspector general for the Department of Justice. During a 44-month period from Feb. 1, 2002, to Sept. 30, 2005, the bureau reported 160 lost or stolen laptops, according to the report. In addition, the bureau said 160 weapons had been lost or stolen. Inspector General Glenn Fine said that was an improvement for the FBI because, in the previous 28-month period, 317 laptops were reported lost or stolen -- about 11 a month. In the same time frame, officials could not account for 354 weapons. "The FBI has made some progress in improving its controls over weapons and laptops," Fine said. "However, significant deficiencies remain, particularly with regard to the FBI's response to lost or stolen laptops that may contain sensitive information." | Still, I'll wager somebody got a award for improving from totally incompetant to just plain ignorant. |
The inspector general's inquiry found that at least 10 of the 160 missing laptops contained sensitive or classified information -- and one of those contained names, addresses and telephone numbers for FBI personnel. | Please let them fall into the hands of idenity thieves |
For another 51 missing laptops, the FBI was unable to say whether they contained sensitive or classified data even though seven of them came from counterintelligence and counterterrorism divisions that routinely handle national security information. | This from the people who say Scooter Libby lied to them. |
Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, said the number of lost weapons and computers is "unacceptable." "Tracking these deadly weapons and computers may seem like it's not worth the time to some in law enforcement," Grassley said. "But it's critical to public safety, national security and the credibility of the FBI and the other agencies that are losing personal information on Americans." Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., said the losses were "especially troubling" at a time "when Americans are increasingly confronted with reports of major data breaches involving lost or stolen laptops, and with the dangers of identity theft."
When Robert Mueller took over as director of the FBI in 2001, he promised to "restore the public's confidence" in the bureau, which had been embarrassed by its management of documents related to the case against Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh, the spy scandal involving agent Robert Hanssen, and its chronic loss of weapons and laptops. | Not to mention Ruby Ridge, Waco, Chinese female spies, etc.. |
The FBI has implemented new requirements for reporting lost or stolen weapons and laptops. |