USIS = The North American Stasi? (drug, accuse, conspiracy, solutions)

[fnord]

Today I found a card on my front door from USIS that said the following:

A probable acquaintance of yours is being considered for a position deemed sensitive by the Federal Government. Your comments regarding his/her fitness and suitability for such a position would prove valuable and would be greatly appreciated.

On the back of the card someone had written "re: [neighbor's address]"

A couple hours later a man wearing a suit and dark sunglasses knocked on my door - I ignored it.

According to the USIS website they provide the full gamut of investigative research on people:
* Applicant Tracking
* Asset Searches
* Credit Reports
* Criminal Records
* Document Management Solutions
* Driving Records
* Drug and Alcohol Testing and Physical Exams
* Due Diligence
* EEO Solutions
* Field Background Investigations
* Law Enforcement/First Responder Solutions
* Proprietary Databases
* Verifications

And with "500,000 investigations annually", they must have a pretty impressive database on their hands.

"USIS is the largest supplier of background investigations to the federal government." Their biggest client is the Federal Government - so in other words this is Big Brother operating under a different name.

"...physical security and training programs in support of the Government War on Terrorism (GWOT). As a partner, USIS gives you the edge in securing your people, property, programs and information."

Sure. Or are they physically canvassing and methodically cataloging the entire public sector? How do I know my neighbors haven't been questioned similarly, about me, under the guise printed on the card. I don't even know my neighbors, never met them - so why would I tell some stranger about their private life and residence. Furthermore, this only tells me that my neighbor must be joining the Government Club and is no longer just a real person.

I'll be sure to elude the suit at my front door until he gives up, as it is certainly no business of mine to "comment" on my neighbor to some unknown third party. Likewise, I wouldn't want someone "commenting" on my daily comings and goings, who visits my home, that I ride a bicycle every day, or what brand of beer I bring home from the store. Presumably, if I were questioned by USIS about my neighbor, I'd be asked for my ID as well so they could "verify they spoke with me". No thanks.

It starts with an innocent "tell me about your neighbor" visit. But it goes much deeper than that and I'll have no part of it.

[Greatday]

These types of checks have been done by the Feds, particularly for sensitive positions in Government, for over 3 decades -

Nothing unusual here -

[jtur88]

Let the suit in , and tell him you do not know any details at all about the neighbor. First, maybe contact the neighbor and ask if he really appied for a job with the government.

[Politico]

This is not an unusual occurrence. I had a college friend who applied for a job with the CIA soon after we graduated. I got a call, and they asked me some questions, and I answered them. Nothing major, nothing unusual, nothing sinister. My friend would've probably been upset if I didn't answer the questions, because I'm sure my (honest) answers helped him out a bit.

You could just contact your neighbor to verify that s/he did actually apply for a job. The answer will most likely be "Yes" because, again, it's not uncommon for the government to do extensive background checks on applicants for sensitive government positions.

Also, did you not consider the fact that the card-senders/black-suited guy have to realize that you may potentially ask the neighbor about the supposed position s/he applied for? Why would they send out cards and question people, when it would be so easy for the questionees to verify that what is being claimed, is real? Stop being so cynical. Not everything relating to the government is a conspiracy.

[trappedinNM]

Standard for both DoD and DOE clearance requests. They will show you a badge as well as a signed release from the prospective clearance-holder. You have the right to contact the individual first before you speak. Note that anything you say will be available to the individual to read.

[tinman01]

WOW I guess some folks do live in fear. Its a routine background check for a security clearance. No big mystery, no conspiracy. They ask neighbors if they know you. If they do They ask a few basic questions no big deal.

[GregW]

There is nothing more tyrannical or terrifying than a bureaucrat with a locked filing cabinet. If these people do investigate you and get something wrong (like you annoyed a neighbor and the neighbor told them you smoked dope when you didn't) there is no way for you to correct the misinformation and you can have your career ruined. This sort of investigation can lead to a “guilt by association” determination that can prevent your being hired for a “sensitive” position. For example someone could be accused of being a “leftist” because they read some of my comments on this board. You wouldn’t have to agree with my blatantly socialist economics but just by reading them the USIS could find you “contaminated” and unsuitable for any position requiring handling sensitive or secret information.

I fear we are way too far down this slippery slope to prevent a tyranny from taking over our Republic. GITMO is just the start.

[trappedinNM]

Originally Posted by GregW

I fear we are way too far down this slippery slope to prevent a tyranny from taking over our Republic. GITMO is just the start.

Fear monger. I hope they take you first.

[Mathguy]

Originally Posted by fnord

It starts with an innocent "tell me about your neighbor" visit. But it goes much deeper than that and I'll have no part of it.

Your neighbor likely listed you as a reference. You know, like on a job application? I've had to do this a few times for friends getting gov. jobs.

How do you know it goes much deeper than that? (I will never hear back from you, but it's fun to ask.)

The Stasi? Seriously, you have come unglued. If the Stasi wanted to talk to you....you wouldn't be on here shaking in fear. Really, you are concerning me and should consider talking to a professional if this is really freaking you out.

[Mathguy]

Originally Posted by GregW

There is nothing more tyrannical or terrifying than a bureaucrat with a locked filing cabinet. If these people do investigate you and get something wrong (like you annoyed a neighbor and the neighbor told them you smoked dope when you didn't) there is no way for you to correct the misinformation and you can have your career ruined. This sort of investigation can lead to a “guilt by association” determination that can prevent your being hired for a “sensitive” position. For example someone could be accused of being a “leftist” because they read some of my comments on this board. You wouldn’t have to agree with my blatantly socialist economics but just by reading them the USIS could find you “contaminated” and unsuitable for any position requiring handling sensitive or secret information.

I fear we are way too far down this slippery slope to prevent a tyranny from taking over our Republic. GITMO is just the start.

Wow, imagining up tons of conspiracies in order to malign people, score political points etc. What is worse is you are serious. How do you even begin to rationalize your hypocrisy or do you just hide?