The Fbi's Surprising Wedding Role: Agent-Officiants

FBI agents are not prohibited from marrying foreigners or other foreign nationals, but such marriages may affect their security clearance eligibility. In the course of their duties, FBI agents may be required to undergo security background investigations performed by the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) to determine their national security eligibility. DSS considers a person's stability, trustworthiness, reliability, discretion, character, honesty, judgment, and loyalty to the United States during these evaluations. While there are no explicit FBI marriage rules, security clearances may be impacted by an agent's choice of spouse, particularly if the spouse is a foreign national. This is because contact with foreign individuals can create a heightened risk of foreign exploitation, inducement, manipulation, or coercion, according to DSS guidelines.

FBI agents can marry foreigners, but it may affect their security clearance eligibility

FBI agents, as well as employees of the Department of State and other federal agencies, must undergo a security background investigation by the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) to determine their national security eligibility. The DSS considers an individual's stability, trustworthiness, reliability, discretion, character, honesty, judgment, and loyalty to the United States during these evaluations. The background investigation process includes record and fingerprint checks, interviews with the candidate and their close associates, and an assessment of the candidate's security clearance qualifications.

While the FBI does not have specific rules prohibiting agents from marrying foreign nationals, it may impact their security clearance eligibility and ability to perform certain responsibilities. According to DSS guidelines, contact with foreign individuals, including family members, can create a heightened risk of foreign exploitation, inducement, manipulation, or coercion. These guidelines aim to decrease the likelihood of foreign influence over government agents.

Ultimately, it is the DSS's responsibility to assess whether an FBI agent's foreign spouse could pose a potential national security concern. They will consider the clearance qualifications, the country the foreign contact is from, and that country's relationship with the United States. Therefore, while FBI agents can technically marry foreigners, it may affect their security clearance and career prospects.

Security clearance background checks are performed by the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS)

The Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) is the primary law enforcement and security agency of the US Department of State. It conducts security clearance background checks for the Department of State and other federal agencies.

Personnel vetting is the process used to assess individuals seeking to obtain security clearances to access classified national security information or those seeking public trust and low-risk/non-sensitive positions. The DSS reviews the security package and formally opens a background investigation. It conducts record and fingerprint checks against commercial and government databases, and verifies and corroborates key information and events from the candidate's history. This may include interviews with the candidate and people who know them well.

The DSS determines a candidate's suitability for government employment, fitness to work as a contractor, eligibility for access to classified information, and authorization to be issued a federal credential. The DSS also investigates crimes against State Department personnel and other US government personnel and families assigned under Chief of Mission authority at a US Embassy or Consulate abroad.

The DSS has a challenging hiring process for its Special Agents, with less than 1% of applicants successfully completing and passing. Candidates must pass an intensive multi-stage evaluation process that includes written and knowledge-based exams, writing samples, panel interviews, situational judgment exercises, a physical fitness test, a comprehensive medical examination, and an exhaustive background investigation for security clearance at the Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) level.

The DSS is unique among US federal law enforcement agencies as its Special Agents are members of the Foreign Service and are required to serve multiple-year tours abroad as a condition of employment. They are federal agents with the power to arrest, carry firearms, serve arrest warrants, and perform other law enforcement activities.

DSS considers a person's stability, trustworthiness, reliability, discretion, character, honesty, judgment, and loyalty to the US

The DSS considers a person's stability, trustworthiness, reliability, discretion, character, honesty, judgment, and loyalty to the US when determining national security eligibility. These factors are also considered when granting or revoking security clearance, which is required for many federal employees, government contractors, and other employees.

Stability refers to an individual's ability to maintain emotional and mental balance, especially in challenging or stressful situations. It indicates a sense of consistency and resilience in handling personal and professional matters.

Trustworthiness is the quality of being reliable and honest. It involves making ethical choices, even when no one is watching, and acting with integrity and sincerity. Trustworthiness is the foundation of any relationship or interaction based on mutual confidence and reliance.

Reliability is closely linked to trustworthiness and refers to an individual's consistency in delivering on promises and commitments. A reliable person demonstrates perseverance and makes reasonable efforts to fulfill their obligations.

Discretion, in this context, refers to an individual's ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information responsibly. It involves knowing when to share information and when to keep it private, ensuring that personal or professional secrets are not divulged inappropriately.

Character is a person's moral or ethical qualities. It encompasses traits such as integrity, honesty, respect, fairness, responsibility, and loyalty. Good character indicates a strong sense of right and wrong, and it guides an individual's behaviour and decisions.

Honesty is a fundamental ethical value that involves truthfulness in both words and actions. An honest person does not attempt to deceive, cheat, or steal, and they comply with rules and regulations. Honesty is essential for establishing trust and maintaining integrity.

Judgment refers to the ability to make sound decisions by evaluating information and considering the potential consequences. It involves identifying short-term and long-term goals, gathering reliable facts, analysing options, and predicting the impact of decisions on oneself and others.

Loyalty to the US indicates an undivided commitment and dedication to the nation and its interests. It means upholding the laws, values, and principles of the United States and placing the nation's welfare above personal gain or advantage.

These criteria are carefully assessed to ensure that individuals granted security clearance possess the necessary qualities to handle sensitive information and contribute to national security effectively and responsibly.

DSS conducts record and fingerprint checks and verifies critical information in the candidate's history

The DSS (Defense Security Service) conducts rigorous record and fingerprint checks to ensure the suitability of candidates for positions requiring access to sensitive information. This process involves multiple steps to verify the candidate's identity, background, and eligibility for a security clearance.

Firstly, the DSS collects and analyzes fingerprints as part of the standard background check procedure. Fingerprints are unique to each individual, serving as a definitive means of identification. These prints are compared against existing records in criminal databases to uncover any prior arrests, charges, or unresolved cases. Even if an individual has never been involved in illegal activity, their prints may be on file for civil purposes, such as licensing requirements.

The fingerprint check also reveals non-criminal biographical details, including the person's full name, date of birth, aliases, and Social Security number. This information aids in confirming the candidate's identity and provides a more comprehensive understanding of their background.

In addition to fingerprint analysis, the DSS conducts a comprehensive review of the candidate's records. This includes verifying critical information in the candidate's history, such as employment records, educational qualifications, and residential addresses. The DSS will cross-reference these details with other agencies and conduct interviews to ensure the accuracy and authenticity of the provided information.

The DSS also investigates any potential concerns or red flags that may arise during the record check. This could involve examining financial records, driving records, or vehicle accident reports. They may also look into the candidate's associations, including family, friends, and previous colleagues, to identify any potential security risks.

The DSS's record and fingerprint checks are designed to be thorough and meticulous, leaving no stone unturned in the candidate's background. This process is crucial for ensuring that only individuals with the highest standards of integrity and trustworthiness are granted access to sensitive information and facilities.

DSS interviews the candidate and people who know them well, including an FBI spouse interview

As part of the security clearance process, the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) conducts interviews with the candidate and people who know them well, including the candidate's spouse if they have one. The DSS is responsible for assessing the candidate's suitability for national security eligibility. The DSS considers various factors during these evaluations, such as the candidate's stability, trustworthiness, reliability, discretion, character, honesty, judgment, and loyalty to the United States.

The DSS interview process can be quite rigorous and intensive. It involves a series of interviews, including one with the candidate themselves and others with individuals close to the candidate, such as their spouse. The DSS will likely ask questions about the candidate's personal life, qualifications, and any potential risks or concerns that may impact their security clearance eligibility.

The DSS will want to gain a comprehensive understanding of the candidate's background and character through these interviews. They will explore various aspects of the candidate's life, including their work history, relationships, and any foreign contacts or connections. The DSS will also verify critical information in the candidate's past and recent history through record and fingerprint checks.

The DSS interview is a critical component of the security clearance process, and it allows the DSS to make an informed decision about the candidate's suitability for a position within the FBI or other federal agencies. It is designed to be a thorough and comprehensive evaluation that ensures the candidate meets the required standards for national security eligibility.

The DSS interview can be a challenging and intensive experience for the candidate, as they need to demonstrate their qualifications, competence, and ability to handle sensitive information. It is essential for candidates to prepare thoroughly and be ready to provide honest and detailed responses to the DSS's inquiries.

Frequently asked questions