Security Clearances: Due Process for Denials and Revocations by Defense, Energy, and State
Abstract
Federal agencies determine the loyalty, reliability, and trustworthiness of individuals before they are authorized access to national security (classified) information. That determination is called a security clearance. About 3 million military, civilian, and contractor employees hold clearances granted by Defense, Energy, and State. When agencies are unable to determine that the granting of a clearance is clearly consistent with the interest of national security, the clearance is denied. If unfavorable information surfaces or actions occur concerning an individual with a clearance, the clearance may be revoked. However, prior to the revocation, the individual's clearance or access to classified information may be suspended. Suspension is an interim action to protect classified information until the derogatory information raising doubt about an individual's ability or intent to protect classified information can be resolved. When agencies deny or revoke clearances, they are required to provide due process. Under the due process requirements generally adopted by agencies for government employees and military personnel, the individual at a minimum should be: notified of the reason or reasons for an unfavorable clearance decision, given an opportunity to respond, and notified of any appeal rights.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- AD1174081
Entities
People
- Donna M. Heivlin
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office