FBI shifts hiring stance on past encounters with sex workers

The FBI has ended its automatic disqualification of job applicants who have had sexual encounters with sex workers, instead allowing case-by-case review. However, candidates who engaged with sex workers within the past decade, three or more times total, or while in a public safety role will still be rejected. The change is part of broader recruitment standard adjustments, including earlier relaxation of rules on past marijuana use.

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The revised guidance, issued this spring, retains automatic rejection for applicants who engaged with sex workers within the past decade, three or more times overall, or while holding a public safety or trust position. For others, the bureau will now weigh the context of the conduct rather than apply a blanket disqualification, acknowledging that some candidates—such as service members—may have encountered legal sex work abroad or acted while younger, or were themselves victims of abuse.

This adjustment is part of broader