Federal Investigative Services

Federal Investigations Notice

In the interest of providing our customers with the most complete and comprehensive investigative information available, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is partnering with the International Criminal Police Organization, U.S. National Central Bureau (Interpol - USNCB) to conduct Interpol record checks for investigations requiring overseas coverage. The USNCB was authorized by Federal statute, and it operates within the guidelines prescribed by the Department of Justice, in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security. Its mission is to facilitate international law enforcement cooperation as the United States representative with Interpol on behalf of the Attorney General. A full explanation of the USNCB and its functions can be found at www.usdoj.gov/usncb.

Under the terms of our agreement with USNCB, an Interpol search will be conducted when, for six months or more, the subject of an investigation: (1) had a non-military foreign residence; (2) had non-military employment overseas; (3) was engaged in academic activities abroad; or (4) when the subject admits to, or there is developed, criminal activity overseas within the investigative coverage period.

OPM investigative personnel will initiate a request through Interpol resources for details of any admitted or developed criminal activity. Another term of the agreement with USNCB requires that with each inquiry, the country providing the information about the subject will be asked to permit the release of the record information to the subject should he/she formally request it. This is important because only if the country grants this permission may OPM or the customer agency utilize the results of the Interpol search as a basis for a negative suitability determination. Although information received under these conditions may be used to develop leads to assist in resolving issues, it cannot be cited or used as a basis for denial unless the country explicitly grants permission to release the information.

If, as a result of an Interpol check, coverage of issues outside the normal scope of an investigation is required, agencies may obtain the coverage by submitting a request for a Reimbursable Suitability/Security Investigation (RSI) to:

OPM-CFIS
Federal Investigation Processing Center
Attention: Government Operations Group
1137 Branchton Road
Boyers, PA 16018-0618

Single Interpol record searches may be requested through a Special Agreement Check (SAC). For information on procedures or guidance for submitting a SAC, please contact your agency's Investigations Program Specialist.

This initiative will result in a minor change in codes reflected in the Personnel Investigations Processing System (PIPS). Currently Interpol results appear as a General (GENL) item on the Case Closing Transmittal (CCT). Once programmed into the PIPS, the results will be displayed as an "INPL" item on the CCT. All pertinent, releasable record information will be included in the report of investigation.

If you have questions regarding this notice, please contact your agency's Investigations Program Specialist directly or call (202) 606-1042 for assistance.

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