Laboratory employees are required to safeguard government property in their care, regardless of location. Each quarter, laboratory laptops taken offsite are stolen from personal vehicles or left in airplanes and taxis.
Laptops must be secured in the trunk of a locked vehicle when left unattended, as directed in the cyber security class: ESH223 Cyber Security Education and Awareness.
The Security and the Property group report stolen and missing laptops to the U.S. Department of Energy. They are aware of how and when their property is stolen or misplaced.
Property Management Regulations, Property 1.2, Paragraph 3, states that “Employees (custodians) are responsible for damage to or loss of government personal property caused by their negligent acts, omissions, or reckless and/or willful acts will be held accountable and may be held financially liable for said damage or loss.” (LMS-POL-44: Limited Personal Use of Argonne Resources).