Managers can place additional restrictions on the use of Government property for personal purposes only for instances of abuse of this policy or in order to meet management needs and mission objectives. Managers should strive to apply this policy consistently and fairly among all employees and should make any limits on the application of this policy clear to their employees.

The Department is responsible for fostering high ethical standards for employees, and for strengthening the public's confidence that the Government's business is conducted with impartiality and integrity. Therefore, employees are to use this limited authorization judiciously and appropriately and should check with their supervisors if they have any questions about the application of this policy.

We live in an era of rapidly changing technology. It is my hope that this policy will assist employees to improve their skills in our ever-changing work environment. I trust this new flexibility will help our employees to be more productive and enhance the quality of their workplace.

Also attached is the Department's Telephone Use Policy, which will be issued as an Information Resources Management Bulletin. This policy allows employees to use Government-provided communications equipment and services for official business, and for personal calls during duty hours that are necessary and in the interest of the Government. Personal calls made during duty hours must not adversely affect the performance of an employee's official duties or the organization's work performance, and must be of reasonable duration and frequency.

Penalties for misuse or abuse related to these policies will be in accordance with the U.S. Department of the Interior Handbook on Charges and Penalty Selection for Disciplinary and Adverse Actions. Selection of the penalty should be the least severe penalty necessary to correct misconduct and to discourage repetition. However, it is important to note that the supervisor retains full authority to set penalties as he/she deems appropriate based on the particular circumstances of the offense. Corrective action covers a full range of remedies which may include oral and/or written warnings or reprimands, suspension without pay, or removal from Federal service. In the case of a serious offense where a formal action may be taken, supervisors should consult with their Human Resources office immediately.

If you should have any questions or need clarification of this policy, your staff may contact the Office of Acquisition and Property Management, Terri Barry on (202) 208-4328, e-mail at teresa_barry@os.doi.gov, or Chris MacArthur on (202) 208-6649, e-mail at chris_macarthur@os.doi.gov. If you should have questions or need clarification on the application of this policy, please contact Departmental Ethics Office, TJ Sullivan on (202) 208-7960, e-mail at tj_sullivan@ios.doi.gov.
 

Attachments
 Limited Personal Use of Government Office Equipment
 Telephone Use Policy