FBI Security Clearances

An FBI security clearance may be required for one's job; for instance, for law enforcement personnel on the federal, state and local levels. Other individuals who are not members of a law enforcement agency may also be required to obtain an FBI security clearance. In fact, after the attacks on U.S. soil on Sept. 11, 2001, the FBI changed its security clearance policies and established an initiative to encourage security clearances for civilian public officials with a "need-to-know" regarding classified information.

The Edmunds Law Firm helps individuals obtain FBI security clearances, which are of two types or levels: "Secret" and "Top Secret." With over 30 years' experience successfully representing security clearance applicants, attorney Alan V. Edmunds has accumulated a great deal of knowledge about FBI security clearance issues and cases.

Access to Classified Information

The FBI's post- 9/11"State and Local Law Enforcement Executives and Elected Officials Security Clearance Initiative" enables state and local officials to be briefed on classified information that might affect their state or locality, once they have obtained the necessary security clearance.

The process for obtaining an FBI security clearance involves the same form—the Standard Form 86 (SF 86)—that most other types of security clearances require, plus the completion of the Questionnaire for National Security Positions. The process is started at the applicant's local FBI office.

The FBI's Background Investigation for Each Applicant

An extensive background investigation and records check are conducted for each security clearance applicant, even if he or she has an executive-level position with a law enforcement agency (which probably conducted its own investigation at hiring). The background investigation cannot be waived, and it applies for both Top Secret and Secret FBI security clearances.

As Mr. Edmunds can tell you, many FBI security clearance applications are held up at the background investigation point. All of the following aspects of an applicant's life are checked and documented for an FBI security clearance:

• Citizenship of the applicant and his/her family members
• Verification of birth—date and location
• History of residences
• Education history—every institution, and all records
• Employment history
• Finances—including bankruptcies, credit history and debt delinquency
• Military service
• History of mental disorders
• History regarding alcohol and/or illegal drug use
• Time spent in a foreign country
• Relatives or friends in foreign countries
• Family members, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and ex-spouses are interviewed

The FBI may turn down or delay an applicant's security clearance based on information that is incomplete, incorrect or inconsequential. Individuals who are concerned about dealing with the FBI security process can turn to The Edmunds Law Firm for the knowledgeable and skilled representation they need. For information about your FBI security clearance, contact an FBI security clearance attorney today.