Summary
A 35-year-old Electronics Technician was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guidelines E (Personal Conduct), G (Alcohol Consumption), H (Drug Involvement), and J (Criminal Conduct). The denial stemmed from a history of alcohol abuse and criminal conduct, including multiple arrests related to alcohol and domestic violence.
Specific incidents included two arrests for Driving While Intoxicated/Under the Influence in 1983 and 1987, with the latter also involving charges of Hit and Run Unattended and Simple Assault. The applicant was also cited for "Alcohol in Park" in 1989, arrested for Assault Fourth Degree - Domestic and Harassment - Domestic Violence in 1996, and cited for "Aiming or Discharging a Firearm in a Public Place" in 1996. The applicant underwent inpatient alcohol treatment in 1993, alcohol detoxification in 1996, and entered a two-year chemical dependency program in 1996.
Despite these treatment efforts, the judge found insufficient evidence of rehabilitation and a continuing risk of problematic behavior recurrence. The decision highlighted the applicant's long history of alcohol-related incidents and criminal conduct, the alcohol dependency diagnosis, and the failure to demonstrate a significant change in behavior.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a long history of alcohol-related incidents and criminal conduct, including multiple arrests and convictions.
- The applicant's alcohol dependency diagnosis and ongoing treatment raise concerns about reliability and judgment.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate clear evidence of successful rehabilitation or a significant change in behavior.
Conditions Referenced
- G.1raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- G.3raisedDiagnosis by a Credentialed Medical Professional of Alcohol Abuse or Alcohol Dependence
- J.1raisedAny Criminal Conduct, Regardless of Whether the Person Was Formally Charged
- J.2raisedA Single Serious Crime or Multiple Lesser Offenses
- G.3rejectedPositive Changes in Behavior Supportive of SobrietyWhile the applicant showed some positive changes, they were insufficient to mitigate the concerns.
- J.5rejectedClear Evidence of Successful RehabilitationThe applicant's ongoing probation and treatment did not provide clear evidence of rehabilitation.
Key Rule Quoted
“"the clearly consistent standard indicates that security clearance determinations should err, if they must, on the side of denials."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMay 19, 1997
- Answer filedJun 13, 1997
- Hearing heldOct 7, 1997
- Decision dateJan 22, 1998
Cite For
- Denial Based on a History of Alcohol Abuse and Criminal Conduct
- Insufficient Evidence of Rehabilitation Under Guideline G
- Impact of Ongoing Probation on Security Clearance Eligibility