County requires security clearance to operate ham radio Was: Dumb Question

[Akuriko]

Hello all, I have a dumb question, a guy who just moved onto my island, lol said he wanted to use his ham radios as he is licensed, but the county demands a security clearance to use it.

so the dumb question is why is the county, san juan demanding a security clearance?

 

[mmckenna]

"Security clearance"? County has no say in this stuff, FCC licenses are federal. Is it possible your neighbor isn't understanding something?

Unless he lives on a military base or other controlled location, I've never heard of that happening.

 

[wtp]

have him ask for the exact law then...
that we gotta see to believe.

 

[KevinC]

I'm curious how the "county" even knows he wants to use his radios????

 

[prcguy]

You are in a U.S. jurisdiction and any licensed US amateur can operate there and local jurisdictions have no say in the matter except for HOA related issues or a few frequency restrictions between the US and Canada, eh. I have an amateur friend on nearby Whidbey Island and it’s the USA, he operates the same there as he does in his So Cal house.

 

[AK9R]

I see two possible issues that may have lead to some misconceptions:

1. The amateur radio operator wants to lend his assistance to the county emergency management agency, but that agency requires a background check, aka security clearance, in order to participate with the county or enter county facilities.

2. The amateur radio operator wants to erect an antenna support structure, aka tower, and has run into development or land use ordinances that require him/her to obtain some sort of county-issued permit.

 

[Akuriko]

i will ask my friend to clarify and get back to you all.

 

[tweiss3]

I see two possible issues that may have lead to some misconceptions:

1. The amateur radio operator wants to lend his assistance to the county emergency management agency, but that agency requires a background check, aka security clearance, in order to participate with the county or enter county facilities.

2. The amateur radio operator wants to erect an antenna support structure, aka tower, and has run into development or land use ordinances that require him/her to obtain some sort of county-issued permit.

I bet its #1. Looking into the area, there is a big EOC and amateur radio is part of that, atleast according to their EMA manual.

 

[rescuecomm]

The last county I was a volunteer responder for required a background check, a credit check, and driving records for prior 7 years. It was basically the same as a job application. Even the RACES volunteers had to do it. I heard some guys said it was too much trouble. Anyone who works in a county EOC needs an ID card these days for the DHS.

 

[GlobalNorth]

My county in Arizona requires that process if an Amateur wishes to become part of the volunteers for the county Emergency Management section. They also have to be NIMS/ICS certified.

 

[AK9R]

They also have to be NIMS/ICS certified.

I don't think "NIMS/ICS" certifies people. Many auxiliary communications groups do require proof of completion of certain NIMS/ICS courses.

 

[KK4JUG]

I don't think "NIMS/ICS" certifies people. Many auxiliary communications groups do require proof of completion of certain NIMS/ICS courses.

You're right. I received my NIMS, etc. training and I was provided with proof that the various courses were completed satisfactorily, period. There was no mention of being "certified." They did their job and sent me packing.

 

[GlobalNorth]

One may take NIMS/ICS coursework and it is required for the position. Call it certification, qualification, or busy work... it is required for some volunteers.

QED.

 

[a417]

One may take NIMS/ICS coursework and it is required for the position. Call it certification, qualification, or busy work... it is required for some volunteers.

QED.

Sure, when you conflate everything and try to whitewash it.

Recieving a certificate does not mean certification. Certifications & Licensure usually comes from boards or certifying agencies, and thussly can be rescinded. FEMA is not a certifying agency in those regards, it provides training and 'proof of completion' in certificate form.

Ever know someone to get their low level NIMS certificate formally rescinded? I'll wait.

 

[madrabbitt]

Ever know someone to get their low level NIMS certificate formally rescinded? I'll wait.

If i didnt need those low level NIMS certificates for my part time job, i'd almost take that as a challenge.

 

[BinaryMode]

Unless he lives on a military base or other controlled location, I've never heard of that happening.

There's a NAS just South of the OP's location... Not sure if that means anything or not.

 

[AJAT]

You don’t need a security clearance regardless of where you live. Especially the county requiring it. The county will have no idea that you have one. What if you live on a military base and use a PO box? I lived on and been on lots of military bases. Had antennas all over my truck, never have been questioned. If anyone is going to passing sensitive military info around they won’t do it on a ham radio. The internet is much more useful for that. Remember you can contact a heck of a lot of more around the word using encrypted internet apps then you can with ham radio. So then I guess if you an internet app you should be required to get a security clearance?

1. The amateur radio operator wants to lend his assistance to the county emergency management agency, but that agency requires a background check, aka security clearance, in order to participate with the county or enter county facilities.

This is the most likely reason.

 

[mmckenna]

What if you live on a military base and use a PO box? I lived on and been on lots of military bases. Had antennas all over my truck, never have been questioned.

Never had an issue with my radios on base, either. Shipboard radio use is a different thing. Since we don't have any specifics from the OP, people are going to share their own personal experiences.

 

[k6cpo]

Everyone is overthinking this. Some people don't know the difference between a background check and a security clearance. I think the person mentioned in the original post was confused.

 

[surfacemount]

Sure, when you conflate everything and try to whitewash it.

Recieving a certificate does not mean certification.

That's some sigline material there.
#technicallycorrectisbestcorrect