Self-reporting to your security officer means voluntarily disclosing information about yourself as required by Security Executive Agent Directive (SEAD) 3 about relevant life changes or potentially derogatory information. With Continuous Vetting (CV), self-reporting becomes even more important because it is like self-verifying your desire to maintain your clearance eligibility and get proactive help if you have a potentially adverse issue.
Security clearance experts are all about that self-reporting life, as it shows a willingness to be transparent and honest. It can also be viewed as a mitigating factor in cases where an individual’s past behavior would otherwise be disqualifying for a security clearance.
But one ClearanceJobsBlog subscriber is way late to the self-reporting game, and is wondering if they should just quit the clearance work lifestyle altogether:
“I am a current fed about to report one instance of drug use while cleared. Misuse of a mild anesthetic/sedative recreationally. It’s not illegal/scheduled but it’s still substance abuse (in the category of misusing a legally obtainable substance or misusing a prescription drug). I’m with a small foreign affairs agency. Would it be better just to quit?
It seems like generally drug use while cleared is the worst thing a person can do. My report also isn’t really timely. Otherwise, I assume suspension, SOR, then eventual firing. Is the only “benefit” that I will have at least come clean (and not after a decade or whatever)? Not sure I’d ever get a cleared offer later anyway. So maybe it’s time to quit while behind?”
THE IMPORTANCE OF SELF-REPORTING
If you are considering self-reporting, you should be prepared to provide a detailed and truthful accounting of your past behavior, and to answer questions from investigators or adjudicators accurately.
But self-reporting does not guarantee that your security clearance will stay with you. Clearance decisions are based on a variety of factors, including the individual’s overall suitability for access to classified information, the agency, along with the whole person concept. However, self-reporting can be an important step in demonstrating a commitment to integrity and trustworthiness.
If you hold a security clearance and have broken the law, some may ponder whether to self-report the incident or quit their job. Most of the time, it is recommended that you self-report the incident to your employer or the appropriate government agency, as failing to do so could result in the loss of your security clearance and potential criminal charges (which would be rare).
Should I Self-Report or Just Quit?
Self-reporting demonstrates a willingness to take responsibility for your actions and can show that you are committed to upholding the standards of your position, which may help to mitigate the consequences of the incident. Additionally, in many cases, self-reporting can be a mitigating factor in the security clearance review process.
On the other hand, if you choose to quit your job, it is important to consider the potential impact on your future employment prospects. Quitting your job could be viewed as an attempt to avoid responsibility for your actions.
Ultimately, the decision to self-report or quit your job after abusing drugs while holding a security clearance is up to you. It is recommended that you consult with a qualified attorney or security clearance professional to discuss your options and potential consequences before making a decision.
Marko Hakamaa, moderator on the ClearanceJobsBlog says, “All in all, if you report it promptly laying out the circumstances, a one-time incident with the intent to let it happen again, it would be unlikely to result in a revocation. You might get a warning letter, but I would be surprised if anything more. But, it also depends on the agency granting the clearance and any specific thresholds they have.”
NOT SURE IF YOU NEED TO SELF-REPORT AN INCIDENT? TAKE OUR QUIZ (ALL SURVEYS ARE ANONYMOUS, OF COURSE).
