SF-86 Police Record (Section 22): How to Answer Accurately
Section 22 asks about your police and court history. The questions are specific, some look back 7 years and some ask about ever, and accuracy matters more than anything else.
The Short Answer
Section 22 of the SF-86 asks about police and court events, such as summonses, citations, arrests, charges, convictions, and probation or parole. Some questions cover the last 7 years. Others ask whether certain things ever happened. Read each question's exact wording in your form version, and answer what it asks.
What the Questions Cover
| Lookback | Examples of what the form asks about |
|---|---|
| Last 7 years | Summonses, citations, or tickets to appear in court in a criminal case; arrests; charges, convictions, or sentences |
| Ever | Certain categories of charges, such as felonies, firearms or explosives, domestic violence, and alcohol or drug offenses |
| Current | Being on probation or parole, or awaiting trial on criminal charges |
The form's instructions explain how to treat minor traffic fines and when alcohol or drugs change that. Check the current wording rather than relying on memory.
Sealed, Expunged, and Juvenile Records
People often assume a sealed or expunged record never needs to be listed. The SF-86 instructions address this directly and describe the limited cases where an exception applies. Read that part of the instructions carefully, and ask your FSO or security office if your situation is unclear.
Gather the Records First
- Court records. Search the court's online docket, or request records from the clerk of court in each county.
- Case numbers and dates. Note the date, the agency, the charge, and the outcome for each event.
- Disposition paperwork. Keep dismissal, deferral, or completion documents if you have them.
- Military records. Non-judicial punishment and courts-martial may be covered by other questions, such as Section 15. Check where each item belongs.
Common Snags
- Leaving something off because it was dismissed. Many questions ask about arrests or charges, not just convictions.
- Wrong dates. Pull the record instead of estimating. If you must approximate, follow the form's instructions and say so.
- Inconsistent details. Make sure the dates match your address and employment history. See Common SF-86 Mistakes.
Explain in Your Own Words
Most questions include a space for details. State the facts plainly: what happened, when, and how it was resolved. Keep the paperwork handy in case an investigator asks.
Keep It Organized
ClearanceTrail keeps your history in one private, encrypted timeline, so dates line up across sections before you open NBIS eApp. Also see How to Prepare for the SF-86.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I list a charge that was dismissed?
Many Section 22 questions ask about arrests and charges, not only convictions. Read each question's wording, and ask your FSO if you're unsure.
Do I list traffic tickets?
The form's instructions explain when traffic fines are excluded and when alcohol or drugs make them reportable. Check the current wording.
Will a past arrest disqualify me?
This guide can't predict any outcome. Answer accurately and completely, and ask your FSO or security office about your situation.