Summary
A 46-year-old female data processing employee for a defense contractor was denied a public trust position due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption). The Statement of Reasons detailed a history of alcohol-related incidents, including multiple arrests for operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI). She was diagnosed with alcohol dependence during a 2005 hospitalization and had a pattern of binge drinking, consuming a fifth of vodka daily prior to treatment.
Further allegations included her failure to complete recommended aftercare treatment following rehabilitation and her resumption of alcohol consumption after a period of abstinence. The applicant also failed to disclose an arrest within the required reporting period on her SF 85P. These issues collectively raised questions about her reliability and trustworthiness.
Despite the application of mitigating conditions, the judge found that the applicant's ongoing and recent alcohol consumption, coupled with her lack of current rehabilitation, indicated a likelihood of continued poor judgment. Consequently, the applicant's eligibility for a public trust position was DENIED.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a history of alcohol dependence and multiple OWI arrests, raising concerns about her reliability and trustworthiness.
- The applicant resumed drinking alcohol after a period of abstinence and did not participate in recommended aftercare treatment.
- The applicant's alcohol consumption is recent and frequent, indicating a likelihood of continued poor judgment.
Conditions Referenced
- G.22(a)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- G.22(c)raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- G.22(e)raisedEvaluation of Alcohol Abuse or Dependence
- G.22(f)raisedRelapse After Diagnosis of Alcohol Abuse or Dependence
- G.23(a)rejectedTime Since Behavior or Unusual CircumstancesThe applicant's alcohol consumption is recent and ongoing.
- G.23(b)rejectedAbstinence or Responsible UseThe applicant has not demonstrated abstinence or responsible use of alcohol.
- G.23(c)rejectedParticipation in a Current Counseling or Treatment ProgramThe applicant is not currently participating in any treatment program.
- G.23(d)rejectedSatisfactory Progress in TreatmentThe applicant has not shown satisfactory progress or completion of treatment.
Key Rule Quoted
“Excessive alcohol consumption often leads to the exercise of questionable judgment or the failure to control impulses, and can raise questions about an individual’s reliability and trustworthiness.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedOct 3, 2007
- Answer filedNov 6, 2007
- Hearing heldFeb 13, 2008
- Decision dateApr 28, 2008
Cite For
- Trustworthiness Concerns Related to Alcohol Consumption Under Guideline G
- Evaluation of Personal Conduct Under Guideline E
- Application of the Whole Person Concept in Security Clearance Decisions