What type of records are checked in a PSI?

In a Personnel Security Investigation (PSI), designated federal government agencies are the primary sources of information that are checked. This includes agencies that manage national security, law enforcement, and other relevant investigative functions. The rationale behind focusing on these agencies is that they maintain comprehensive and authoritative records regarding individuals’ criminal histories, credit histories, employment, and other pertinent information that could impact an individual's eligibility for accessing classified information or holding sensitive positions.

While local government records, international organizations, and private sector records may provide useful information, they are not considered the primary sources during a PSI. Local records may be relevant but are typically limited in scope, and international organizations generally do not maintain the specific, detailed information about U.S. citizens that federal agencies do. Private sector records can complement the investigation but do not hold the same weight in terms of security clearance assessments. Thus, the focus on designated federal government agencies ensures that the investigation is thorough and aligned with established security protocols.