Disposition Authorities for Individual Classifications for Headquarters Case Files. Part B: Classification 140. Security of Government Employees; Executive Order 10450.

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Disposition Authorities for Individual Classifications for Headquarters Case Files. Part B: Classification 140. Security of Government Employees; Executive Order 10450.

This classification was established in 1953 to accomodate investigations of government employees under the provisions of Executive Order 10450. The Order provides for the investigation of alleged risks to the national security of the United States. Investigated risks could inlcude persons with problems of "dishonesty, immorality, excessive drunkeness, financial irresponsibility and mental instability." This classification replaces classification 121; the first case opended is dated 1953. The FBI rejected Department of Justice proposals to limit its investigations in this classification until 1956 Supreme Court decision (Cole v. Young) led to a requirement that no investigations be conducted of employees in non-sensitive positions. The types of investigations have changed little since this limitation was imposed. The number of cases investigated dropped drastically as recent administrations have questioned the cost effectiveness of the Federal Employee Security Program.

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United States. Federal Bureau of Investigation

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The FBI established this classification when it assumed responsibility for ascertaining the protection capabilities and weaknesses of defense plants. Each plant survey was a separate case file, with the survey, supplemental surveys, and all communications dealing with a plant insofar as plant protection was concerned, filed together. On June 1, 1941, and January 5, 1942, the Navy and Army, respectively, assumed responsibility for surveying defense plants in which they had interests. Thereafter, ...