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Can FBI Agents Drink Alcohol?

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A career as an FBI special agent means you'll be held to high legal and moral standards, but the bureau doesn't prohibit its agents from living normal, sociable lives. All federal government agencies have strict drug-free workplace policies and the FBI is no different. But the policy against drug use doesn't address alcohol use. That said, the FBI probably won't tolerate excessive drinking within its ranks because of the problems that can arise.

Sound Judgment and Discretion Required

FBI agents who imbibe probably don't have to worry about losing their jobs unless their alcohol use results in circumstances that harm themselves and others. Alcohol can affect anyone's judgment and decision-making capabilities, so it stands to reason that an agent should not engage in activities that could put her in a compromising position, whether she's on- or off-duty.

Writer

Ruth Mayhew has been writing since the mid-1980s, and she has been an HR subject matter expert since 1995. Her work appears in "The Multi-Generational Workforce in the Health Care Industry," and she has been cited in numerous publications, including journals and textbooks that focus on human resources management practices. She holds a Master of Arts in sociology from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Ruth resides in the nation's capital, Washington, D.C.

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