What is a government security investigation?

Everyone hired for a federal job undergoes a basic background investigation of their criminal and credit histories to ensure that all federal employees are “reliable, trustworthy, of good conduct and character, and loyal to the United States.” In addition, federal positions that include access to sensitive information …

What does the government look for in a security clearance?

Credit and criminal history checks will be conducted on all applicants. For a Top Secret security clearance, the background investigation includes additional record checks which can verify citizenship for the applicant and family members, verification of birth, education, employment history, and military history.

Do US government agencies verify security?

The Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) conducts personnel security background investigations for the Department of State and other federal agencies. These investigations provide information for DSS to determine an applicant’s or current employee’s national security eligibility.

Can I get a security clearance with a dismissed charge?

In the SF86 there is an exception that permits withholding information about certain expunged drug convictions. Consequently, clearance applicants must list all applicable dismissed charges and convictions even if the record was sealed, expunged, or otherwise stricken from a state or local court record.

How far back does secret clearance go?

five years
Security Clearance Adjudicative Process The clearance process for Secret level access uses an investigation called the National Agency Check with Law and Credit that goes back five years, while the clearance process for Top Secret uses a Single Scope Background Investigation that goes back ten years.

How many security clearances are denied?

You may even wonder if you should continue with the process, particularly if you’re not getting a paycheck while you wait. But don’t lose heart – 20-30% of all interim security clearances are denied, but that is vastly different than the figure of final clearance denials, which hovers around 1%.

What does the Department of State do for background investigations?

Thank you for your assistance. The Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) conducts personnel security background investigations for the Department of State and other federal agencies. These investigations provide information for DSS to determine an applicant’s or current employee’s national security eligibility.

How are security checks done at the State Department?

Human resources submits the completed security package to the State Department’s Office of Personnel Security and Suitability. Security package is reviewed for completeness and is formally entered into a case management system. National agency record checks and scanned fingerprint checks are then conducted.

Who are the investigators for the federal government?

Government employed investigators. Contract Investigators (CIs) directly contracted with a federal agency. Contract Investigators sub-contracted with a primary contract company which is directly contracted with an agency. Employee Investigators (EIs), employed by a contract company which is directly contracted with an agency.

Who are the government agencies that issue security clearances?

Security clearances can be issued by many United States of America government agencies, including the Department of Defense (DoD), the Department of State (DOS), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Energy (DoE), the Department of Justice (DoJ), the National Security Agency (NSA), and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).