Intrusive security clearances

Sportman · 04-01-2008, 01:40 AM

Ever had to fill one out?

I've had to do a few basic ones before, but this one for my new job is really intrusive and kind of funny.

It has the basic stuff like criminal record etc.

But it also has questions like "Have you ever experimented with any controlled substances, including marijuana", and really open ended ones like "Have you engaged in any questionable behaviour or know anyone who has" etc etc.

What kind of idiot would sign a form admitting to any kind of criminal or "questionable" activity which they haven't been charged for? I wonder how many actually do?

awh23 · 04-01-2008, 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sportman

Ever had to fill one out?

I've had to do a few basic ones before, but this one for my new job is really intrusive and kind of funny.

It has the basic stuff like criminal record etc.

But it also has questions like "Have you ever experimented with any controlled substances, including marijuana", and really open ended ones like "Have you engaged in any questionable behaviour or know anyone who has" etc etc.

What kind of idiot would sign a form admitting to any kind of criminal or "questionable" activity which they haven't been charged for? I wonder how many actually do?

A few years back, my county built a new jail facility and were hiring shit loads. I applied to be a records clerk (didn't get the job) but I had to answer all sorts of questions like that in the background check paperwork.

**NeuroNerd** · 04-01-2008, 06:35 AM

depending on how good of a check they do, they will find it. One place I worked, a guy filled one out and a year later they came to him with all this shit. Not public records, stuff from friends and neighbors. It was amazing.

I don't know what happens if you admit to that stuff. I guess it depends how bad they want you and what type of clearance you are getting. I imagine they will ask you about the answers and go from there.

"questionable" leaves a bit open to interpretation, however.

Ian Coe · 04-01-2008, 06:38 AM

When I read the thread title I imaged someone with a rubber glove on their hand

Just me?

muerteverde · 04-01-2008, 06:49 AM

That is a horrible question. What is questionable? If you are even asking that question then it is proof you have done something "questionable" because you are in fact questioning it now.

My only contact with security clearances of this type was when a college friend went to work for the NSA and a serious old guy in an expensive suit (and about 6 foot 5, 275 pounds) came down to the BJJ club to question us about his character. He visited everyone he could find in my friend's life.

Sportman · 04-01-2008, 08:04 AM

I just don't know how they expect people to be truthful. It's not like I am alone (I think!?) but I have used drugs and engaged in activity they would definitely consider 'questionable'. But why would I admit to it when there is no way of them proving it? Why would anyone basically sign a legal document which can be used in court admitting to anything negative about their own character/actions which could never otherwise have been verified?

I dunno I guess the point was I'm surprised how much information people seem to be willing to give out about themselves.

Nihilistic · 04-01-2008, 08:22 AM

if this is govenment stuff ie secret clearance and you dont admit to it and they find out you did you face some serious shit. if its just for some random job its no biggy though.

but ya actual clearances they will check with your schools, friends, family and anyone they know you have been in contact with. dont lie or hide information on those.

Sportman · 04-01-2008, 08:30 AM

^Yeah, it is government.

How would they find out about something like drug use though? So long as I use friends as referees who are well away from that scene, I don't see how they could ever find out. Seems like I should think again about what info I give though, hmm

Nihilistic · 04-01-2008, 09:03 AM

They go very in depth with it. If you have been involved in drugs just admit to it. Its nothing major at all if its just that you smoked a dube back in the day.

If you are found to be lying you guarantee you dont get the clearance, however if you admit to it and are willing to prove that you dont still do it you will not only get it but will stand a better chance at getting further clearance because you were honest.

Nodecaf · 04-01-2008, 09:54 AM

^how can they find out that you smoked a doob?
No friends would rat you out on shit like that.