Who has the authority to grant, deny, or revoke access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI)?

The authority to grant, deny, or revoke access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) lies with the heads of the Intelligence Community Elements. These individuals are in key leadership positions within their respective organizations and possess the requisite authority and responsibility to make informed decisions regarding access to this highly sensitive information. This authority is crucial because SCI requires stringent control and access management to safeguard national security interests. The process involves thorough background checks and assessments of an individual's reliability and trustworthiness, which is overseen by these heads.

In contrast, while security officers may play a role in implementing security policies and ensuring compliance, they do not have the final say in granting access. Local command officials typically manage operational aspects but do not have the overarching authority concerning SCI access decisions, which are reserved for the higher echelons of the Intelligence Community. The Department of Homeland Security, though vital in many security aspects, does not have direct jurisdiction over SCI matters, which are specifically tailored to intelligence entities.