What initiates the Security Clearance Adjudicative Process?

The Security Clearance Adjudicative Process is initiated when a personnel security investigation is completed. This investigation gathers critical information about an individual, including their background, character, and potential security risks, which are necessary to determine eligibility for access to classified information. The results of this investigation provide the foundational data that adjudicators use to assess whether granting a security clearance is warranted based on established guidelines, such as those outlined in the Adjudicative Guidelines for Determining Eligibility for Access to Classified Information.

While incident reports, specialized clearance requests, and approval from department heads may play roles in the overall security process, they do not initiate the adjudicative process itself. The completion of the personnel security investigation is essential as it compiles the details required for informed evaluation and decision-making regarding security clearance.