Firearms and Ammunition

In response to increasing workplace violence occurring throughout the country and weaknesses identified in a previous OIG evaluation, 2012-14636 - Master Key Program Management - Property and Natural Resources, the OIG initiated a review of TVA firearms and ammunition. The objective of our review was to determine if firearms and ammunition are properly accounted for and safeguarded. Our review found TVA Police and Emergency Management (TVAP&EM) were accounting for and safeguarding firearms and ammunition; however, coal plant-owned shotguns on the 2014 inventory were not included in the annual hands-on inventory list. Unissued firearms are safeguarded in secured storage areas. These firearms, and those issued to TVAP&EM employees, are accounted for through an annual hands-on inventory. During testing, TVAP&EM were able to provide documentation for a sample of firearms that were either destroyed or transferred. While TVAP&EM guidelines require all TVA-issued firearms to be carried while on duty, one employee was unable to initially provide a firearm for physical inventory due to the firearm being in his home. Additionally, while TVAP&EM were able to provide documentation for destroyed and transferred firearms, some improvements could be made to better comply with guidelines for the documentation of transfers. Finally, there were a few instances in the guidelines regarding firearms and ammunition responsibility that did not match actual practice. Summary Only