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FBI Mellows Out on Drug Standards

Holistic approach to applicants gives casual users a break

By Heather McPherson,  Newser User

Posted Aug 7, 2007 6:09 PM CDT
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(Newser) – The FBI no longer disqualifies applicants who admit to past drug use, the Washington Post reports. The agency previously turned away wannabes who acknowledged smoking marijuana more than 15 times, but times have changed. Potential employees must still swear they have not partaken in recent years, and the FBI's policy is still tougher than the CIA's—and even the DEA's.

Realizing it was barring qualified applicants for drug use decades ago, the bureau this year quietly began emphasizing "a whole-person approach." "The new policy just allows us a little more flexibility than the old policy," says a security division bigwig. "Someone who was actually an addict is probably not going to satisfy our needs."

FBI Headquarters in Washington D.C. As baby-boomers retire, the FBI faces a personnel crisis that might require a bit of flexibility in their hiring practices.
FBI Headquarters in Washington D.C. As baby-boomers retire, the FBI faces a personnel crisis that might require a bit of flexibility in their hiring practices.   (Wikimedia Commons)
Official FBI policy has long held zero-tolerance for drug use in applicants, dating back to J. Edgar Hoover's opinion that agents shouldn't be tainted by false courage from a Marijuana cigarette.
Official FBI policy has long held zero-tolerance for drug use in applicants, dating back to J. Edgar Hoover's opinion that agents shouldn't be tainted by "false courage from a Marijuana cigarette."   (Wikimedia Commons)
Antiquated and out-of-step with their fellow law enforcement departments, even the Drug Enforcement Agency does not reject applicants who admit to youthful and experimental use of marijuana.
Antiquated and out-of-step with their fellow law enforcement departments, even the Drug Enforcement Agency does not reject applicants who admit to "youthful and experimental use of marijuana."   (Shutterstock.com)
The laurel leaves, of the FBI Official Seal has, since early civilization, symbolized academic honors, distinction and fame. However, under the FBI's new, more tolerant, drug policy, they may gain yet another bit of symbolism.
The laurel leaves, of the FBI Official Seal has, since early civilization, symbolized academic honors, distinction and fame. However, under the FBI's new, more tolerant, drug policy, they may gain yet...   (Shutterstock.com; FBI.gov)
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New drug policy has been in effect since January
USA Today

 
FBI • drugs • drug addiction • drug use • employment • marijuana

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