A Review of FBI Security Programs
A Review of FBI Security Programs
A Review of FBI Security Programs
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process. One supervisor told an SI that Hanssen was in the “doghouse” with an Assistant<br />
Director about an issue related to a foreign intelligence service. The SI did not follow up on<br />
this comment or determine whether it referred to a counterintelligence issue. A co-worker<br />
described Hanssen as a “maverick,” who had his “own ideas on things” and did not always<br />
“toe the line” with management. The SI failed to probe these comments. Another reference<br />
described Hanssen as “intense” with a “mixed reputation,” and a supervisor stated that he<br />
was an “unusual” character. In neither case did the SI pursue these comments. Foreign<br />
travel and contacts were not addressed, although a reference commented that Hanssen was<br />
a friend <strong>of</strong> a Soviet defector. Hanssen’s Personal <strong>Security</strong> Interview conducted by an NSD<br />
<strong>Security</strong> Officer also lacked depth in its coverage <strong>of</strong> counterintelligence issues. The<br />
Personnel <strong>Security</strong> Interview did not refer to foreign contacts or financial matters.<br />
Hanssen’s background reinvestigation also failed to develop details about his finances,<br />
an area that Hanssen himself identified to Commission staff as critical. Two references<br />
commented that Hanssen’s children attended college on academic scholarships, and another<br />
asserted that Hanssen’s wife came from a wealthy family who assisted the Hanssens. A<br />
fourth reference stated that Hanssen had money troubles. BICS did not ask that these<br />
disparate comments be explored, and PSU made no effort to determine Hanssen’s true<br />
financial condition.<br />
RECOMMENDATIONS<br />
I. <strong>Security</strong> Investigations and Adjudications Should Be Consolidated In A New<br />
Office Of <strong>Security</strong><br />
<strong>Security</strong> clearance decisions are governed by Executive Orders and Director <strong>of</strong><br />
Central Intelligence Directives that are extensive and detailed. Background investigations<br />
must comply with these mandates and fully develop issues as to character and<br />
trustworthiness. The process by which the <strong>FBI</strong> currently conducts background<br />
investigations, adjudicates cases, and grants clearances is fragmented; responsibility for<br />
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