The U.S. Secret Service has released new conduct guidelines for its agents after a recent scandal in Colombia and allegations that agents misbehaved in other countries as well.
The new standards released Friday specify that agents on international trips may not allow foreigners into their hotel rooms, may not visit so-called “non-reputable” establishments, and may not drink alcohol within 10 hours of going on duty.
The new standards also say agents must abide by U.S. law while traveling, eliminating the excuse that behavior outlawed in the United States is acceptable in a country where it is legal.
Additionally, more than 100 members of the agency will be taking ethics training sessions.
A total of eight Secret Service agents have lost their jobs after agents allegedly took prostitutes back to their hotel rooms in Cartagena, Colombia. The reported misconduct took place just days before President Barack Obama arrived for the Summit of the Americas.
The Pentagon is also investigating 12 members of the U.S. military who were allegedly involved in the incident in Cartagena. Prostitution is illegal in the United States, but legal in Colombia.
The new conduct guidelines come as the agency begins looking into allegations of similar misbehavior before a 2011 presidential trip to El Salvador.