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Major Information Systems - Justice Security Tracking and Adjudication Record System

TITLE: Justice Security Tracking and Adjudication Record System

ACRONYM: JSTARS

ORIGINATOR:

Department/Agency Name: U.S. Department of Justice
Major Organization Subdivision: Justice Management Division
Minor Organization Subdivision: Security and Emergency Planning Staff
Name of Unit: Personnel Security Group
Street Address: 950 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Room 6730
City: Washington, D.C.
Zip Code: 20530
State: NA
Country: United States
Hours of Service: Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Telephone:(202)514-2351 / (202)514-2325
FAX: (202)514-4555
E-mail Address: PERSEG@usdoj.gov

ABSTRACT: JSTARS is a security clearance and background investigation maintenance and tracking system consisting of records relating to clearances and background investigations and records tracking the status of clearances and background investigations.

PURPOSE: The system maintains and tracks data relevant to background investigations, re-investigations, and security clearances. Records in this system are used to determine the loyalty, trustworthiness, suitability, eligibility and/or qualifications of employees for initial or continued employment in the Department of Justice, and for employment in sensitive positions involving eligibility and continued eligibility for access to classified information. The records are also used to make similar suitability and security determinations regarding the employment of contractors to perform a service for the Department and to establish the trustworthiness for access to classified information of persons associated with and/or acting for the court, or in other specified cases where individuals employed by or performing services for the Federal Government require background investigations. Records in this system are also used by the Access Review Committee (ARC) when an appeal is made to the ARC to review a security clearance denial or revocation pursuant to E.O. 12968. Records in this system are also used to track the status and types of investigations, the dates of clearances and level of clearances.

ACCESS CONSTRAINTS: All records and files in JSTARS are protected from unauthorized access through appropriate administrative, physical, and technical safeguards. These safeguards include restricting access to those with a need-to-know to perform their official duties, using locks and alarm devices, and passwords for all data communications.

USE CONSTRAINTS: Users of the JSTARS system will be restricted to only those privileges necessary to perform assigned tasks.

AGENCY PROGRAM: The mission of the United States Department of Justice is to enforce the law and defend the interests of the U.S. according to the law, to ensure public safety against threats foreign and domestic, to provide Federal leadership in preventing and controlling crime, seek just punishment for those guilty of unlawful behavior, and to ensure fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans. The JSTARS is a tool to support the Justice Department's mission by maintaining and validating clearance and background investigation information on the department's employees and others requiring clearances or background investigations.

SOURCES OF DATA: Data contained in the JSTARS is obtained from the subject of background investigations, third parties referenced in background investigations, and federal, state, local, international, criminal justice agencies, noncriminal justice agencies, and other entities with potentially relevant data regarding the subject of background investigations.

RESPONSIBLE OFFICE FOR DISTRIBUTING INFORMATION (if different from originator):

ORDER PROCESS: A request for access to a record from the system must be submitted in writing with the envelope and letter clearly marked "Freedom of Information Act Request." A request should include a general description of the records sought and the requester's current address. Files relating to another person regarding a matter which would invade that person's privacy ordinarily will not be disclosed. If you are seeking records about yourself, mark your envelope and letter "Privacy Act Request." Include a general description of the records sought and your full name, current address, and date and place of birth. The request must be signed and either notarized or submitted under penalty of perjury. Some information may be exempt from access. Although no specific form is required, you may obtain forms for this purpose from the FOIA/PA Mail Referral Unit, Justice Management Division, United States Department of Justice, 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20530-0001, or on the Department of Justice Web site at www.justice.gov/oip/att_d.htm.

Disclosure determinations regarding any investigative records from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), or other investigating agency, will be made only in accordance with the investigating agency's disclosure policies.

Requests for information should be submitted in writing to:

FOIA Contact
Justice Management Division
Department of Justice
Room 1111 RFK, 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20530-0001

OFFICE OF CONTACT FOR FURTHER INFORMATION (if different from originator):

DATE OF LAST MODIFICATION: 10/08

Updated May 7, 2021