Suitability vs Secret Clearance which is easier to obtain with Red Flags?

SECURITY CLEARANCE Q&A
1

Hi. I have applied for a couple positions.

  1. Excepted Service - Finger Prints/Drug Test required.

  2. Competitive - Moderate Risk/Suitability

  3. Competitive - Secret Clearance

Potential red flags:

  1. Arrested Felony DV 8 years ago.

Dating a guy who hit me at a hotel. Police were called. After talking with Detective she let me go and told me to RUN that the guy had several previous DVs against other women. I had no case and I assume no charge. Not sure if an arrest is an automatic charge. (There is no disposition listed on my background check I was told that was because there was no case. So, I requested arrest records in case the issue comes up).

  1. Lost my business due to Covid shutdown and filed Chapter 7 Bankruptcy.

However currently no past due debts or collections and or late payments.

Based on your experience will my red flags make it a challenge to obtain federal employment. Also, will it be more of a challenge for me to pass suitability versus a clearance.

3

Thank you! I was arrested, fingerprinted and handcuffed. Then a couple hours later talked to a detective. At that time I was let go.

Since I have decided to apply for government jobs I decided to call and get proof of that incident. After many calls I was told there was no record of the arrest and obviously no disposition could be provided.

So I basically requested arrest records which say ‘no results’. The arrest does show on my background but the Sheriff office has no record. Eventually, I request to have it sealed. But figure no rush, because Government jobs will see it anyway.