I. PURPOSE

This directive prescribes security procedures for the protection of property and employees.

II. CANCELLATION

This directive cancels FSIS Directive 2532.1, Revision 1, dated 6/11/85.

Ill. REASON FOR REISSUANCE

This directive is reissued to update organizational references and provisions for reporting offenses in FSIS-occupied space excluding plants and provide a reference sheet for handling emergencies.

IV. REFERENCES

FSIS Directive 4735.3, Employee Responsibilities and Conduct FSIS Directive 4735.4, Reporting Assault, Threats, Intimidation, or Interference Title 40 U.S.C., Section 318, Establishment and Authority of GSA Federal Protective Service

V. ABBREVIATIONS AND FORMS

FPS - Federal Protective Service

GSA - General Services Administration

ID Card - Identification Card

AD-112 - Report of Unserviceable, Lost, or Damaged Property

VI. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Employees are to:

A. Follow FPS and FSIS guidelines on security.

B. Use space controlled or occupied by FSIS for official business and authorized activities only.

VII. SAFEGUARDING OFFICES AND PROPERTY

A. Offices.

The head of the office:

1. Secures accountable items in Federal Buildings, GSA-leased or FSIS-occupied space.

2. Follows other security measures prescribed by the local FPS and the lessor.

B. Property.

1. Government Property.

Employees keep cameras, laptop computers, briefcases, small costly instruments, recorders, and similar Government property that is susceptible to theft out of sight or in a locked place when not in use.

2. Private Property.

The Government assumes no responsibility for loss, theft, or damage to the personal property of employees. Employees should not leave purses, money, jewelry, or other valuable personal items in unattended offices, desks or similar unattended places overnight.

VIII. ISSUING OFFICE KEYS

Supervisors make arrangements for the issuance of keys when a room or other space must be locked for security reasons.

Offices issuing keys and locks maintain controls and records. Those entrusted with keys must:

A. Sign a receipt, if requested.

B. Report lost, stolen, or destroyed keys promptly.

C. Return the key when the individual transfers, resigns, retires, or no longer needs it. D. Obtain authorization for duplicating keys.

IX. ADMITTANCE INTO FSIS-OCCUPIED SPACE

The following procedures apply to all FSIS-occupied spaces (EXCEPTION: FSISoccupied space in plants. See FSIS Directive 4735.4 for inplant procedures.)

A. Identification.

Employees who:

1. Enter a Federal building are to carry and be prepared to display their USDA or program ID cards upon request.

2. Do not have USDA or FSIS ID cards are to contact program officials, the building owner, lessor, or building manager, as appropriate, for admittance or access to space. All FSIS employees shall make special arrangements for admittance of vendors and maintenance or repair workers after hours.

B. Search and Inspection of Materials. Security guards have authority to search items capable of concealing Government property. Guards may deny entry to persons who refuse to show ID cards or have materials searched.

C. Admittance of Solicitors for Charity or Other Purposes.

1. Restricted Activities. Peddling, canvassing, soliciting, distributing unofficial material, and selling tickets are prohibited in FSIS-occupied areas. Employees immediately report unauthorized entry of peddlers, solicitors, or canvassers to the FPS in a federally owned or controlled building, or to the head of the office.

2. Authorized Activities. The following types of solicitation are permitted in FSIS-occupied offices:

a. Authorized fund-raising campaigns (EXAMPLE: The Combined Federal Campaign).

b. Distribution of circulars or flyers by employee organizations.

c. Donations by groups of employees for remembrances on special occasions.

X. REPORTABLE OFFENSES

Employees are to immediately report offenses committed in or on the grounds of Government-occupied buildings. These include:

A. Thefts.

 B. Damage to property.

C. Disorderly conduct.

D. Threats and assaults.

E. Criminally obscene acts.

XI. REPORTING PROCEDURES

Follow the procedures below to report criminal offenses committed by non-federal employees. (NOTE: See FSIS Directive 4735.3 for procedures to report offenses committed by federal employees.)

A. General.

1. Promptly report offenses, in person or by telephone, to your immediate supervisor, the head of the office, and appropriate authorities (see subparagraph B.). If these individuals are not immediately available, report the incident to the local police and then inform the appropriate authorities of this action as soon as possible.

2. Office heads ensure that the employee involved has reported the incident to the necessary authorities.

B. GSA- and Agency-Leased Facilities. Building ownership, control, and the location of the FSIS office determines which actions are required by the head of the office or the employee involved.

1. GSA-Owned or Leased Facilities. Report offenses to the GSA guard assigned to the premises or the building manager. They investigate the incident and furnish the employee involved with forms for written reports when required and report the incident to the FPS and the local police or advise the employee to do so.

2. Agency-Leased Facilities. Report offenses to the building manager and the FPS.

C. Thefts of or Willful Damage to Government Property. When the offense involves Government property, complete Form AD-112, and send to the Administrative Services Division. Identify the date and time of the occurrence, the authorities contacted, and a description of the property and location at the time the incident occurred.

D. Suspicious People. Report the presence of suspicious people to the GSA guard or building manager.

XII. THE FPS

The FPS website lists the regional FPS offices and offers additional guidance on “Crime-Free Workplace, Emergency Procedures, Security Guidelines, Coping with Threats and Violence, and other Security Links.” The FPS internet address is: www.gsa.gov/pbs/fps/fps.htm

XIII. REFERENCE SHEET

Complete the handy reference sheet (See Attachment 1) and keep it by the phone.

(Note: Download PDF for complete information)