44 U.S. Code, Chapter 31

Policy & Doctrine 12 min
Understand federal documentation and records management policy as required by 44 U.S.C. Chapter 31 (2018).

The regulations and directives outlining the responsibilities of a VI manager are rooted in the law as outlined by the U.S. Code.

As a VI manager, your responsibility for managing official records does not end with VI products and imagery. According to 44 U.S.C. § 3101, federal records "includes all recorded information, regardless of form or characteristics, made or received by a Federal agency under Federal law or in connection with the transaction of public business and preserved or appropriate for preservation by that agency or its legitimate successor as evidence of the organization, functions, policies, decisions, procedures, operations, or other activities of the United States Government."

These records include VI products transmitted for accessioning and archiving, but they also include the other records used to document the official business of VI within a unit or command. Every organization has a Records Manager, and VI managers must work with them to ensure that VI records are locally managed and transferred IAW policies that assist in compliance with Title 44 U.S. Code, section 31. Although your specific responsibilities to accession VI products are covered by the DODI 5040.02, you must check with your unit/command records manager to account for and maintain other files and records associated with managing VI at your unit/command.

44 U.S. Code, Chapter 31—Records Management by Federal Agencies: Includes seven sections, which cover general duties for records management; safeguarding, certification and transfer of records; and unlawful removal and destruction of records. Refer to the link for specific language, and check with your organization's Records Manager to ensure you stay in compliance with the law and policy.

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