What are the major components of the Personnel Security Program (PSP)?

The major components of the Personnel Security Program (PSP) include designation, investigation, adjudication, and continuous evaluation.

Designation refers to the process of determining the level of access or clearance required for individuals within an organization, setting the stage for subsequent steps. This initial classification is crucial for delineating the investigative needs based on the individual's position and access requirements.

Investigation involves the gathering of information about an individual’s background, which helps assess their trustworthiness and reliability. This component is vital in providing a thorough understanding of any potential risks posed by employees or contractors who may access sensitive information.

Adjudication follows the investigation, where the collected data is analyzed to make informed decisions on whether an individual should be granted security clearance or access based on their background and behavior.

Continuous evaluation is an ongoing process that ensures individuals maintain their eligibility for clearance after it has been granted. This involves regularly checking for new information that could impact an individual's security status, thus enhancing the overall security posture of the organization.

Together, these components establish a robust framework for ensuring personnel security within organizations that handle sensitive information.