FBI no longer treating an applicant’s experience with prostitution as automatic bar against hiring
WASHINGTON (AP) — The FBI is dropping a categorical hiring ban on applicants who have had sexual encounters with prostitutes and will instead consider in a more holistic manner at least some candidates who have engaged in the practice…
The FBI has announced it will no longer automatically bar applicants with a history of sexual encounters with prostitutes from being hired, according to sources familiar with the matter. The decision represents a shift in recruitment standards for the bureau, which has previously tightened its approach to candidates' past marijuana use.
While the FBI still intends to dismiss applicants who engage in prostitution within the past decade, engage in such activity multiple times, or while in a position of trust, other cases will be considered on a case-by-case basis, taking context into account. The change aims to account for the legality of prostitution in some locations and to accommodate victims of sexual abuse.
However, the practical impact may be limited as many candidates may still be disqualified during further scrutiny by polygraphers and security officials. The FBI emphasized that criminal sexual behavior remains disqualifying, stating that its background check process remains "wide-ranging and extensive."
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