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Employees should remain alert to suspicious activities, people on Laboratory property

The Laboratory does not currently have any intelligence information indicating that a credible, specific or immediate threat to Laboratory facilities or personnel exists, however, in today's security environment every worker should remain alert for suspicious activities and suspicious people, according to the Security and Safeguards (S) Division.

Over the past year, the Laboratory has received reports about incidents involving strangers attempting to enter Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration or Department of Defense facilities, including the Laboratory, under suspicious circumstances; and strangers questioning workers about facilities or programs. All incidents of this type are to be reported to line management and Laboratory security or outside law enforcement in an appropriate manner.

Security and Safeguards Division reminds all Lab workers that they should be aware of strangers in their work area, and to not answer questions about their work, access controls, coworkers and other tenants until they have confirmed why the questions are being asked. If an unknown person asks an employee for a physical address or other information about a Laboratory worker—information not available in the Laboratory's public phone directory—the employee should verify the requester's identity and his or her need to know before disclosing any information. Laboratory operators will refer requests for addresses to appropriate group administrators. The administrator should then verify the requester's identity and need to know.

Lab workers should contact their supervisor and the Security Help Desk at 5-2002 if they feel they are being targeted for information. Inquiries from members of the media should be directed to the Public Affairs Office at 7-7000. Security Help Desk personnel will make any other appropriate notifications.

Employees should not hesitate to report suspicious people or activities. Each employee must act as the eyes and ears of the Laboratory to ensure that suspicious incidents are appropriately evaluated and any necessary actions are taken to protect facilities, workers and the community, according to S Division.

Additionally, S Division recommends that employees who identify suspicious individuals, vehicles or articles at the Laboratory contact Emergency Management and Response (S-8) at 7-6211. For security emergencies, such as suspicious packages, call 911 and for nonemergency security questions contact the Security Help Desk.

-- Kevin N. Roark

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