The local office for the 2010 Census opened today in Eastgate Town Center.
Census officials gave tours of the office today, but it will be locked to the public next week. Only sworn Census employees will be allowed to enter the office, as access is restricted to protect the confidentiality of all who participate in the Census.
Any Census employee who breaks confidentiality and personally identifies a Census participant could be charged with up to $250,000 in fines and a five-year-prison sentence, office manager Karen Stanley said.
Ms. Stanley is among 30 workers at the local office, and another 20 are expected to be hired before the end of the year. Hundreds of people will be hired to assist in gathering Census information, Ms. Stanley said.
The Chattanooga office will support census operations in six counties including Bradley, Hamilton, Loudon, McMinn, Monroe and Polk, she said.
For information about local Census jobs, call 424-5930.