What is the protocol for document retention as outlined in SWLCAT policies?

The protocol for document retention as outlined in SWLCAT policies emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between efficient record-keeping and minimizing unnecessary storage of documents. Retaining documents for a specified period ensures that the organization complies with legal and regulatory requirements while also meeting operational needs. This period is defined based on the type of document and the relevance to the organization's functions.

After the specified retention period, securely disposing of documents is equally critical. This protects sensitive information from unauthorized access and helps the organization manage its resources effectively. By following this process, SWLCAT ensures that it maintains necessary records for accountability and compliance while also upholding data privacy and security standards.

The other options suggest either indefinite retention, which can lead to storage issues and potential regulatory complications, or archiving without a specified duration, which does not align with best practices for document management. Retaining documents only upon audit request overlooks the proactive measures needed to ensure that relevant documents are readily available without relying solely on audits to determine what should be kept.