Summary
A 59-year-old former security guard was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline J (Criminal Conduct). The denial stemmed from a history of poor job performance and the falsification of his security clearance application.
The applicant was terminated from two positions: one in February 1993 for unwillingness to follow managerial direction and failure to respond to counseling, and another in January 1999 from a security guard role due to a "lackadaisical attitude, substandard performance of duties, and blatant disregard for authority." Specific instances of misconduct included abandoning posts, posting without a firearm, dereliction of duty by reading on assignment, permitting improper visitor access on multiple occasions, failing to respond to alarms, and refusing to follow security procedures, which ultimately led to his termination from the security company.
Crucially, the applicant deliberately failed to disclose these two employment terminations on his security clearance application. This omission was identified as a falsification, constituting a felony under 18 U.S.C. §1001. The judge denied the clearance, citing the applicant's lack of trustworthiness and reliability, directly linking the continuous substandard performance, policy violations, and the falsification of his application to the decision.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant was fired for continuous substandard performance and policy violations.
- The applicant falsified his security clearance application by omitting his discharge from employment.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A5.1.2.1raisedReliable, Unfavorable Information Provided by Associates, Employers, Coworkers, Neighbors, and Other Acquaintances
- E2.A5.1.2.2raisedThe Deliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant and Material Facts
- E2.A10.1.2.1raisedAllegations or Admission of Criminal Conduct, Regardless of Whether the Person Was Formally Charged
Key Rule Quoted
“"[N]o one has a 'right' to a security clearance."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 16, 2002
- Answer filedSep 2, 2002
- Hearing held—Applicant requested determination on the record without a hearing.
- Decision dateJun 30, 2003
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Falsification of Application
- Impact of Poor Job Performance on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Reliability of Employer Testimony in Security Clearance Cases