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.