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Feds mull DNA testing for security clearances

The U.S. Government is considering requiring DNA testing as part of the process for background checks on applicants for security clearances needed to access classified information, according to a Defense Department notice made public Monday.

"The Federal Government is looking into the feasibility of using biometric identifiers other than fingerprints in the security clearance process," the Pentagon said in response to a comment it received on new personnel security regulations for the Defense Department.

In the comment, an unnamed individual suggested that adding DNA testing to the background check process "would help [ensure] that no applicant for a clearance is a subject of an active federal, state, or local criminal investigation based on DNA evidence" and "would achieve the same end as the current collection of fingerprints."

While the Defense Department declined to implement a DNA testing requirement on a unilateral basis at this time, officials indicated the idea of obtaining DNA from those seeking clearances could have merit and is under review.

"Any such requirement such as the suggested collection of DNA from clearance applicants would be covered in a separate rulemaking. As the comment correctly notes, such a policy would be best coordinated with the other federal agencies with personnel security programs to [ensure] appropriate reciprocity of clearances between agencies," the Pentagon announcement said.

The discussion of potential DNA testing in the federal government's security clearance process is set to appear in Tuesday's Federal Register. A preview of the announcement is posted here.

The federal government currently conducts DNA testing on persons arrested on federal criminal charges, but does not seek such information for job applicants or security clearances.

Spokespeople for the Office of Personnel Management and the Director of National Intelligence, who have joint authority over the security clearance process, had no immediate comment Monday on the state of any review of DNA and other biometric technologies.

UPDATE (Monday, 3:37 P.M.): This post has been updated to correct spelling in the Pentagon notice.