Thousands of records associated with District business licenses are chaotically stored in a wide-open office, according to a recent inspection report, leaving personal information easily accessible to virtually anyone.

The Occupational and Professional Licensing Division, a branch of the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, kept records “in such disarray” that the D.C. inspector general was unable to review the documentation. The division supports professional licensing boards, with oversight of 37,064 District professionals in 127 occupations.