Who is responsible for requesting a Personnel Security Investigation (PSI) under the DoD Personnel Security Program?

The responsibility for requesting a Personnel Security Investigation (PSI) under the DoD Personnel Security Program primarily lies with security officers. These individuals play a crucial role in managing and upholding security standards within their organizations. They are trained to understand the security requirements and procedures necessary for different positions and ensure that personnel are properly vetted before being granted access to sensitive information or facilities.

Security officers are tasked with initiating the PSI process, as they are directly involved in the evaluation of individuals for security clearances. They work closely with other departments, such as human resources and local command leaders, but it is ultimately their responsibility to ensure that the investigations are conducted in accordance with established policies and regulations. This includes submitting the necessary documentation and following up on the progress of the investigations.

While human resources managers and local command leaders have roles in personnel selection and may support the PSI request process, the specific initiation of the PSI is designated to security officers to maintain a clear chain of accountability and expertise in security matters. External contractors typically do not initiate PSIs, as these investigations need to be conducted by authorized personnel within the organization to preserve the integrity of the security program.