Sierra Pacific Network (VISN 21)

Report ID: PSETS0000088258, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Reported Entity: VISN 21 Fresno, CA

Issue:

On 04/18/13 at approximately 7:22 PM, VA Police Officer 1 responded to assist VA Polices Officer 2 to investigate and look for two unidentified suspects reportedly looking in trash containers that are located near building #14. Suspect stated that they were looking for recycle material for example; soda cans or plastic. Suspects were warned concerning trespassing on federal property and they departed without incident. VA Police asked Suspect 1 where he had picked up a yellow folder that he was carrying and he said out of the trash container located near building #14. VA Police Officer took possession of the folder and warned both of the suspects that they could not look into containers or gather any soda cans or plastic from them. Both suspects apologized and departed without incident.Police Officer 2 began examining the yellow folder and discovered it contained sensitive veteran information. Police Officer 1 placed a copy of the information with the Police Report. Both Officers returned to the trash container where the suspects retrieved the folder. All information has been secured by VA Police was turn over to facility Privacy Officer for future actions. The trash container was checked and no further PHI/PII was found. Update: 04/22/13:Three Veterans will be sent letters offering credit protection services and one next-of-kin will be sent a notification letter..

Outcome:

Service area affected was notified, and credit monitoring letters were sent to members identify in the incident.

Related Reports:

1 other violation reported on the same date. Note that other citations may be about the same event: PSETS0000088247