NCJ Number
79779
Date Published
1980
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This report identifies weaknesses in accounting for personal property in the custody of military units and problems with relief-from-accountability procedures.
Abstract
The General Accounting Office examined property accountability activities of selected units at several military installations and reviewed numerous documents presenting guidelines on liability for damaged property and on restitution for government property lost or damaged. Findings indicate that accountability procedures were generally adequate, although many units reviewed were not following them. The difficulty of proving that military personnel were grossly negligent appears to discourage the services from attempting to fix liability for lost or damaged property. To strengthen controls over property in the custody of military units, the Defense Department should instruct the services to emphasize property accountability procedures, including the need to perform timely and accurate physical inventories, document property transfers, and verify tool and other equipment purchases. Procedures for determining liability should be simplified and strengthened. One data table is included. (Author abstract modified)