|
After a simple search on "secret service," we found our way to the official web site of the United States Secret Service. The site provided more than enough resources to answer the question. This special division of the Department of the Treasury was originally formed in 1865 for the detection of counterfeit currency, but began informal part-time protection of President Grover Cleveland in 1894. Following the 1901 assassination of President William McKinley, Congress invited the Secret Service to assume responsibility for protecting the president, and two operatives were assigned to the White House. These days the specialized law enforcement agency, with over 125
U.S.-based and foreign offices, is charged with two missions: protection of our national leaders and criminal investigations. The protective mission of the Secret Service includes protection of the president and vice president of the United States; their immediate families; former presidents and their spouses; widows and minor children of former presidents; major presidential and vice presidential candidates and their spouses; and visiting foreign heads of state. After a brief detour to the historical timeline for background, we found a plethora of useful information on the Secret Service FAQ page. Currently, the Secret Service employs about 2,100
special agents; 1,200 Uniformed Division officers; and another 1,700 technical, professional, and administrative staff. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree, be over 21 and under 37 years old, and be a U.S. citizen at time of appointment. Candidates must pass the Treasury Enforcement Agent Examination, as well as a series of interviews that include a polygraph, physical, eye exam, and drug screen. Highly trained, experienced special agents are charged with protection of the president, vice president, and their families. Uniformed Division officers are members of a police force that specializes in all aspects of protecting the presidency, including the White House, the presidential offices, and associated personnel. We learned the difference between special agents and Uniformed
Division officers and read about potential career paths for special agents. Want to apply for a job? Visit the Employment Opportunities page or locate the field office nearest you for an application packet. And for women interested in law enforcement careers at the federal level, visit WIFLE (Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc.) for resources and support.
|
