Things that make you shake your head.
Excellent employee. Cleared Secret. Wants full time work, willing to undergo TS Full Scope Poly BI. I brief and screen all employees before submission. I make clear the ramifications of drug use (prior to clearing or while cleared) or negative financial info. Why? Because I don’t want to lose people in the process. I make clear if they reveal drug use to me it must be reported. Period. Why? Because if I do not, my clearance is at risk on next Polygraph. I normally get questions regarding integrity, ethics, etc.
I meet with employee, explain all this, he insists "no use,"and finances squared away. He turns in an SF86 indicating recent drug use. I already explained 12 months no recreational drugs applies to those applying for initial clearance, not for those possessing a clearance. I reinforce one cannot use recreational drugs while cleared.
I cannot un-ring the bell. I cannot un-read what he put on the form.
I don’t have a question. Just disappointed executing the requirements of my position, knowing I lose an employee. The client may keep him in process. He is being honest. I stress honesty for all applicants both on initial and re-investigation packages.
Now we wait and see. Yes I do the right thing. I report. Possibly submit the package if client approves. Let the system work it out. Self reporting and honesty remain the best path forward.
It doesn’t always leave a good taste in one’s mouth.