What must an FSO do in the case of a lost classified document?

In the case of a lost classified document, the Facility Security Officer (FSO) has a critical responsibility to ensure that the incident is handled appropriately and in accordance with security protocols. Reporting the loss to the appropriate authorities and documenting the incident is essential for several reasons.

Firstly, classified documents are sensitive materials that, if compromised, could jeopardize national security, intelligence operations, or sensitive information. By reporting the loss, the FSO initiates an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, the potential risks involved, and the measures necessary to mitigate those risks.

Secondly, documentation serves as a formal record of the event, which is crucial for accountability and for any future assessments of security practices. This documentation can also provide insights into improving security measures to prevent future losses.

In summary, the correct action for an FSO when a classified document is lost is to report the incident and document it meticulously, ensuring that the chain of custody and accountability is maintained to uphold the integrity of the facility’s security protocols.