FBI ends automatic rejection of applicants who paid for sex

The FBI has ended its automatic rejection of job applicants who have paid for sex, implementing a more flexible review process as the bureau works to rebuild its depleted ranks. The policy shift, communicated in an internal memo on June 16, 2026, replaces a blanket ban with a case-by-case assessment of candidates' past conduct. Under the revised guidelines, applicants who have engaged in prostitution may still be considered if the conduct occurred more than 10 years ago and happened fewer than three times overall. However, automatic disqualification remains for anyone who solicited sex while in a position of public trust, such as in law enforcement, education, or finance. The FBI stated the change was designed to account for situations where candidates may have engaged in the practice in jurisdictions where it is legal, or to accommodate applicants who were themselves victims of sexual abuse. The relaxation is part of a broader overhaul of hiring standards under FBI Director Kash Patel, aimed at addressing significant personnel losses. An analysis of government data found that 1,139 special agents left the bureau in 2025, reducing the workforce to approximately 13,700.