By Steve Neavling

In its rush to hire new Secret Service officers to handle serious security lapses, the agency placed several dozen new people in sensitive positions, even though they had not completed the required national security clearance process, the Washington Post reports, citing two unnamed government sources.

Secret Service Director Joseph Clancy told at least one Congressman about the problem and pledged to fix the issue.

Part of the problem is an “administrative backlog” in issuing security clearances, the Post wrote.

“The director has taken immediate steps to accelerate the top-secret adjudication process and has allocated additional resources to ensure that this is completed as quickly as possible,” Secret Service spokesman Brian Leary said Tuesday.

Other Stories of Interest

• Accused Gang Member Keeps Notes on Reporter While in Jail
• Minneapolis Man Who Threatened FBI Agents Released Before Sentencing
• Studies Examine Best Location for New FBI Headquarters
• Border Patrol Detains 68 Immigrants from Stash House
• Secret Service Evacuated White House Press Briefing Room