Obtaining a Top Secret security clearance is a rigorous process designed to ensure that individuals are trustworthy and reliable enough to handle sensitive national security information. The main difference between a suitability review and a Top Secret security clearance is that suitability focuses on an individual’s specific adherence to agency-specific requirements, while a security clearance specifically applies to, and grants access, for individual’s accessing classified information.
Suitability review: Determines if an individual is suitable for federal employment by evaluating their character, job qualifications, and conflicts of interest. The government may consider factors such as misconduct, criminal or dishonest conduct, or alcohol abuse.
Security clearance: Determines if an individual is eligible to access classified information and hold a sensitive position. Security clearances consider the individual’s conduct, related specifically to the adjudicative guidelines.
The government can review an individual’s suitability at any time during their federal employment, and always makes a suitability determination when they are first granted a position.
Hi, everyone. I’m sorry to post yet another “what do you think?” type of thread, but I am still going to ask. I have a Tier 3 Pubic Trust for my current position, but I am going through the process for a TS and have an offer contingent on getting that TS. I work with more than a few people who have their Secret, TS, TS/SCI, etc and have talked with all of them about this and they seem to think I shouldn’t have an issue, but I wanted to get some outside perspective if possible. I’m 40, I have two credit cards with <30% total usage, my previous car loans are totally paid off and were always on-time, and I have never filed for bankruptcy or anything along those lines. I have never used drugs at any point in my life. In my teens and 20’s I received a number of speeding tickets, a couple of careless driving, and a reckless driving (no accident involved). However, those tickets were legitimately part of myself and other members of the volunteer EMS/fire department being targeted (it was actually big news in our county) by the police who were starting their own paid EMS division and they were trying to slow/hinder our response times (shitty, but it happened). In any case, the last of those tickets was in 2012. Since then I have only had two speeding tickets and a ticket for a bulb being out. Lastly, I have been arrested twice (2009 and 2010) but all of those charges were dismissed completely. One of the situations was completely fabricated by a troubled/disturbed ex, and the other was a case of me purchasing something that I didn’t know was stolen. I did receive a municipal ticket for Petty Disorderly – Using Obscene Language in Public for yelling/cursing at the previously mentioned ex who was stalking me and showing up at my workplace for months and months. I paid a $325 fine for that (also in 2010). I have disclosed all of these things on my SF-86 and have discussed them with my investigator. Now I am just waiting. Do I stand a chance? Thanks for your time.
Time passed is certainly a mitigating factor in this scenario, and the person will also be based on the whole person concept. In general, while a suitability determination is considering similar factors to a security clearance, the more stringent aspects of a Top Secret security clearance are what lead to some individuals who have previously successfully obtained a suitability determination to be denied a security clearance.
Here are some key suitability concerns that may be evaluated during the clearance process:
1. Personal Conduct
- Integrity and Honesty: Applicants must demonstrate consistent honesty in their personal and professional lives. Any history of dishonesty, such as falsifying information or lying can raise red flags.
- Adherence to Laws and Regulations: A history of criminal behavior, even if not resulting in a conviction, may suggest a disregard for the law and raise concerns.
2. Financial Responsibility
- Debt and Bankruptcy: Excessive debt or a history of financial irresponsibility can indicate potential vulnerability to coercion or bribery.
- Unexplained Wealth: Sudden, unexplained increases in wealth can be a warning sign of involvement in illegal activities.
3. Substance Use
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse: Ongoing abuse of alcohol or drugs may impair judgment and reliability, making an individual unsuitable for handling classified information.
5. Associations and Foreign Influence
- Foreign Contacts: Close ties to individuals from foreign countries, especially those with opposing interests, can be considered a risk.
- Foreign Preferences: Any preference for foreign nations over the United States may raise concerns about an individual’s loyalty.
6. Security Violations
- Past Breaches: Any history of security violations, such as mishandling classified information, is a serious concern.
- Negligence: Demonstrating negligence in protecting classified information can indicate a lack of responsibility and attention to detail.
8. Criminal Conduct
- Arrests and Convictions: Past criminal behavior, particularly if recent or violent, is a significant concern.
- Patterns of Behavior: A pattern of criminal activity, even if minor, can indicate a persistent disregard for the law.
Each case is reviewed on its own merits, with mitigating factors considered as part of the overall assessment.
This question was posed from a subscriber at ClearanceJobsBlog.com, where you can read and discuss government security clearance process, how to get a security clearance job, and background investigations issues.
Much about the clearance process resembles the Pirate’s Code: “more what you’d call guidelines than actual rules.” This case-by-case system is meant to consider the whole person, increase process security, and allow the lowest-risk/highest-need candidates to complete the process. This article is intended as general information only and should not be construed as legal advice. Consult an attorney regarding your specific situation.
