Yes, you can work for the Federal Government if you have a criminal record and were formerly incarcerated.
People with criminal records are eligible to apply to most federal jobs, however there are some exceptions. You may not be eligible for certain federal jobs because specific statutes or laws prohibit employment depending on the crime committed.
For example:
- Certain federal laws, like those prohibiting treason, carry with them a lifelong ban on federal employment.
- Other federal laws prohibit federal employment for a certain number of years.
- The Bond Amendment imposes restrictions related to national security positions.
- People convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence crimes under Federal or State law are “prohibited from employment in any position requiring the individual: to ship, transport, possess, or receive firearms or ammunition” (Public Law 1-4-208 Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997.)
For most federal jobs, questions about your criminal history don't appear on the initial job application. However, if you receive a conditional offer of employment, you'll need to complete a Declaration for Federal Employment (OF 306) and undergo a background investigation to establish your suitability or fitness for employment. When deciding your suitability, federal agencies will consider the following:
- Your character traits and conduct.
- Potential conflicts between your criminal conduct and the core job duties.
- Potential conflicts between your employment and interests of national security.
- The nature, seriousness, and circumstance of your criminal activity.
- How long it's been since your criminal activity.
- Rehabilitation or efforts toward rehabilitation.
It's important that you provide all the required information about your criminal record when you apply to a federal job so the hiring agency can determine early if a specific prohibition exists.