Summary
A 39-year-old financial specialist was denied a security clearance under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) due to a history of alcohol dependence and multiple alcohol-related incidents. The applicant had five DUI arrests and two public intoxication arrests between 1988 and 2002.
Specific incidents included a 1992 DUI arrest, a 1996 public intoxication arrest, a 1998 DUI and reckless operation arrest, and a 1999 DUI and parking in a fire lane arrest. Further arrests for disorderly conduct and public intoxication occurred in 2001, followed by a DUI, traffic, and seatbelt violation arrest in January 2002. The applicant also participated in a residential DUI program in January 1999.
Despite achieving sobriety since January 2002, the judge determined that the applicant did not adhere to recommended outpatient support programs, instead relying on personal willpower and religious involvement. The judge found insufficient evidence of long-term behavioral change to mitigate security concerns, leading to the denial of the security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant has a history of five DUI arrests and two public intoxication arrests between 1988 and 2002.
- Applicant did not adhere to recommended outpatient support programs for alcohol dependence, relying instead on personal willpower and religious involvement.
- The judge found that the applicant's self-initiated sobriety efforts were insufficient given her history of alcohol-related incidents.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A7.1.2.1raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work, Such as Driving While Under the Influence.
- E2.A7.1.2.4raisedEvaluation of Alcohol Dependence by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Who Is a Staff Member of a Recognized Alcohol Treatment Program.
- E2.A7.1.2.5raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol to the Point of Impaired Judgment.
- E2.A7.1.2.6raisedConsumption of Alcohol, Subsequent to a Diagnosis of Alcoholism by a Credentialed Medical Professional and Following Completion of an Alcohol Rehabilitation Program.
- E2.A7.1.3.3rejectedPositive Changes in Behavior Supportive of Sobriety.The judge found that the applicant's current sobriety efforts were not sufficient to demonstrate long-term positive changes.
Key Rule Quoted
“"[N]o one has a 'right' to a security clearance."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedDec 15, 2003
- Answer filedFeb 24, 2004
- Hearing heldJun 22, 2004
- Decision dateDec 9, 2004
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Chronic Alcohol Dependence and Multiple DUI Incidents
- Insufficient Evidence of Rehabilitation Despite Periods of Sobriety
- Importance of Adhering to Professional Treatment Recommendations for Alcohol-related Issues