The United States Secret Service, also known as the USSS or the Secret Service, is a federal law enforcement agency. It has several duties which include the conducting of criminal investigations and also the protection of US politicians, their families and visiting heads of state or government. Up until 2003, the USSS was a part of the Department of the Treasury due to their historical mandate of combatting the counterfeiting of US currency. Established in 1865 it has protected presidents and presidential candidates since 1901.
1 Symbols and History of the US Secret Service
The USSS uses several different symbols and also has its own flag all of which are shown below.
1.1 Symbols of the US Secret Service
One of these symbols is the seal of the USSS which features the organisation logo on a yellow shield background
Another one of the symbols commonly employed by Special Agents is the badge of the United States Secret Service. It features the organisation’s logo aswell as the establishment date, 1865, on the bottom.
The final symbol which is commonly depicted alongside the USSS is the organisation’s flag. It is a horizontal, bicolour flag with equal yellow and blue bands with the organisation’s logo in the centre of a white field. It dates back to the USSS was a part of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
1.2 History of the US Secret Service
The US Secret Service was initially established in 1865 and has operated continuously since. Although its mission scope has broadened and changed since its inception it still undertakes a vital part of the wider US federal law enforcement family.
1.2.1 Early Years
In the 1800s, the American monetary system was very disorganised which meant bills and coins were issued by each state through individual banks. With this disorganisation came the ability for criminals to counterfeit money on a large scale.
President Abraham Lincoln, on the advice of the Secretary of The Treasury, Hugh McCulloch, established a commission to investigate how to stop the rapidly growing problem which resulted in more than a third of US currency being counterfeit during his presidency.
On 14 April 1865, the day of his assassination, Abraham Lincoln established the US Secret Service to carry out the commission’s recommendations and the USSS began investigating and also shutting down counterfeit currency operations.
Starting its work on July 5, 1865, the USSS shut down more than 200 counterfeiting plants. In 1866, the National Headquarters of the USSS moved into the Department of the Treasury building in Washington, D.C.
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1.2.2 1901-1909
After the assassination of President William McKinley in 1901, the USSS mission scope was expanded to include the protection of the U.S. president. In 1902 it began providing this service and in this year, the first US Secret Service Agent to die on duty, William Craig, died in a road accident while riding in the presidential carriage.
In 1909 President William H. Taft agreed to meet the Mexican President Porfirio Díaz in El Paso, Texas and Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua. During this summit, on 16 October, a man was discovered holding a concealed palm pistol standing at the El Paso Chamber of Commerce building along the procession route. The man was captured and disarmed only a few feet away from both Taft and Díaz by Frederick Russel Burnham who led a security detail which also consisted of US Secret Service agents.
1.2.3 1920s – 1950s
In 1924 the first unofficial female special agent of the USSS, Florence Bolan, was promoted to operative and she engaged in searching female prisoners and engaged in occasional field work.
During WW2 the USSS assisted other federal agencies in the arrest of Japanese American leaders and also the internment of Japanese Americans.
In 1950, US President Harry S. Truman was residing in Blair House across the street from the White House whilst it underwent renovations. On 1 November two Puerto Rican nationalists approached Blair House with the intent to assassinate Truman. They opened fire on the White House police officers stationed outside and also shot and fatally wounded Private Leslie Coffelt. However, Coffelt returned fire and killed one of the assassins with a shot to the head and also shot the other attacker. Coffelt is the only Secret Service Member to be killed on duty whilst protecting a US President against an assassination attempt.
1.2.4 1960s-1980s
As a result of the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy in 1968, Congress authorised the protection of major presidential candidates, and nominees and they also subsequently authorised the protection of the spouses and children of former presidents until the age of 16.
In 1984, Congress passed the Comprehensive Crime Control Act which extended the USSS mission scope and jurisdiction to more effectively cover credit card and also computer fraud
1.2.5 1990s
In 1990 the USSS initiated Operation Sundevil which was originally intended to target malicious hackers within the US. However, many innocent people were caught up in the operation which was largely viewed as a publicity stunt. One instance of this happening was when the Secret Service served a search warrant on Steve Jackson Games, seeing three computers and over 300 floppy disks.
In 1994 and 1995 the USSS ran an undercover sting called Operation Cybersnare targeting hackers across the US and they additionally set up several Electron Crimes Task Forces (ECTFs). These task forces help federal/state and local law enforcement, the private sector and academia to more effectively liaise together when it comes to combating tech-based crimes.
In 1998, Bill Clinton signed Presidential Decision Directive 62 which made the Secret Service responsible for security at designated events. The year after in 1999 the US Secret Service Memorial Building was dedicated in Washington DC which also granted the USSS its first HQ.
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1.2.6 2000s
The NY City field office of the USSS was located at 7 World Trade Center and immediately after the 9/11 attack, Special Agents and other field officers were among the first to respond with first aid. One Secret Service employee, Master Special Officer Craig Miller, died during the attempted rescue efforts and on 20 August 2002, Director Brian L. Stafford awarded the Directors Valor Award to employees of the USSS who had assisted in the rescue attempts following the attacks.
Domestic Expansion Post-2000
Following on from the signing of the Patriot Act by George W. Bush in October 2001, the Secret Service was tasked with setting up a nationwide network of the aforementioned ECTFs.
On 1 March 2003, the Secret Service was transferred from the US Treasury Department to the newly established Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
International Expansion Post-2000
In July 2009, the USSS also expanded internationally and created the first European ECTF in Italy. Its tasks included:
- Identity theft
- Network intrusions
- Other computer-related crimes
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1.2.7 2010s
In September 2014, the USSS was scrutinised following two incidents in which during one of them, an intruder had lept over a fence and entered the East Room of the White House through an unlocked door. These lapses in security led to Secret Service Director, Julia Pierson, resigning.
1.2.8 2020s
During the 2020s the US Secret Service was extremely active, namely in countering fraud and counter-protest activities. Some of these are as follows:
- Operation Stolen Promise – Targeted the fraud related to COVID-19 relief funds which fraudsters had managed to acquire after filing false relief claims. By the end of 202, the USSS had seized more than $1.2 billion in relief funds from fraudsters. [Source, source]
- Lafayette Square – During a peaceful protest outside Lafayette Square, the USSS advanced on protestors 7 minutes earlier than had been planned. The USSS apologised for using excessive force in dispersing the protestors. [Source]
- In August 2020 a Secret Service officer shot a schizophrenic man who he had claimed was holding a gun during one of then-President Trump’s press conferences. [Source]
- In April 2022, four Secret Service agents assigned to First Lady Jill Biden were placed on leave after accepting bribes from two men convicted of impersonating federal officers. [Source, source]
January 6 United States Capitol Attack
A day before the Capitol attacks on 6 January 2021, the USSS warned Capitol police of violence which Capitol Police Officers could face. On the day of the attack, Secret Service agents provided security during the riot and even evacuated Vice President Mike Pence who was overseeing the final count of electoral college votes.
1.2.9 Attacks on Presidents and Government Personnel
The USSS has been involved in the protection of several US Presidents during assassination attempts. These are as follows:
Kennedy Assassinaion
During the Kennedy assassination, Special Agent Clint Hill was riding in the car directly behind the presidential limousine when the shooting began. When the shooting continued, Hill ran to the president’s car and began shielding both President Kennedy and the First Lady until the car arrived at the hospital.
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Reagan Assassination Attempt
Tim McCarthy, one of the USSS Agents assigned to protect Reagan, was shot after John Hinckley Jr. fired several shots at the President. McCarthy survived and was also awarded the NCAA Award of Valor in 1982.
Donald Trump Assassination Attempt
During a rally held in Pennsylvania by former president Donald Trump, a gunman shot at Trump, injuring him in his right ear. The shooter was killed by a Secret Service counter-sniper.
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2 Organisation of the US Secret Service
The United States Secret Service (USSS) is a vast organisation with several roles and a variety of offices and internal departments which each handle separate duties.
2.1 Offices of the US Secret Service
There are 15 different offices within the wider Secret Service and they are as follows:
- Protective Operations
- Office of Protective Operations
- Office of Strategic Intelligence and Information
- Office of Technical Development and Mission Support
- Investigative Operations
- Office of Investigations
- Training
- Office of Training
- Mission Support
- Office of Intergovernmental and Legislative Affairs
- Office of Human Resources
- Office of Professional Responsibility
- Office of the Chief Counsel
- Office of the Chief Financial Officer
- Office of Strategic Planning and Policy
- Office of the Chief Information Officer
- Office of Enterprise Readiness
- Office of Communication and Media Relations
- Office of Integrity
- Office of Equity and Employee Support Services
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2.3 Roles within the US Secret Service
There are two main roles which individuals can apply for within the US Secret Service. Individuals can apply to be Special Agents or a member of the Uniformed Division.
2.4 Special Agent Division and Special Agents
The Special Agent Division and USSS Special Agents perform critical protective and investigative duties. Special Agents are assigned to multiple duty stations throughout their entire career, both abroad and domestically, and these responsibilities can include:
- Protecting VIPs
- Conducting criminal investigations – Mainly pertaining to financial security
- Planning and implementing security protocols for National Special Security Events (NSSEs)
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2.4.1 Career Phases of a Special Agent
There are several career phases which a Special Agent applicant and a Special Agent will go through on their journey to becoming a United States Secret Services Agent. These are:
- Training – During the first year of training Special Agent trainees receive seven months of training including classroom, fitness, firearms, and simulation training.
- Field Office Assignment – Special Agents entering the Secret Service are assigned to a field office(s) prior to being reassigned to a permanent protection assignment.
- Protective Assignment – Special Agents who are assigned to a protective assignment serve in one or more offices which can include:
- Presidential Protective Detail (PPD)
- Vice Presidential Protective Detail (VPD)
- Protective Intelligence and Assessment Division (PID)
- Counter-Assault Team (CAT)
- Hazardous Agent Mitigation Medical Emergency Response (HAMMER)
- Counter Surveillance Division (CSD)
- Post-Protective Field Office/ HQ Assignment – Special Agents have several options available including:
- Legal or Criminal Investigation Division
- Technical Security Division (TSD)
- James J. Rowley Training Center (JJRTC)
- Cyber Investigations
- Return to a field office
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Requirements to be a Special Agent
There are several requirements which applicants for the position of Special Agent must attain or meet before they are considered. These are:
- US Citizenship
- 21 Years of Age+
- Possess a valid driver’s license
- Possess visual acuity
- Hearing examination
- No visible body markings – Tattoos are allowed as long as they are not on the head, face, neck, hand and fingers (below the wrist)
- Be in excellent health and physical condition
- Qualify for Top Secret security clearance
- No drug use
- Signing a mobility agreement
- Selective service registration
- Be able to carry and use a firearm
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Application Roadmap of a Special Agent
The application roadmap to become a Special Agent is as follows:
- Competency Phase
- Application received by the USSS
- Application reviewed by the USSS
- A cursory criminal background check is carried out
- Entrance examination
- Applicant Physical Abilities Test (APAT)
- Pre-employment interview
- A conditional job offer is given
- Suitability and Security Phase
- Security Interview
- Eye exam and eQIP form submission
- Polygraph
- Medical and drug test
- Background investigation
- SMD Clearance approval/denial
- Enter-on-duty location and date established
- Following this the employee reports to the training
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2.4.2 Special Agent Training
Special Agent training is carried out over 31 weeks and involves two segments carried out at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) and the James J. Rowley Training Center (JJRTC).
FLETC
After a week-long Special Agent Introductory Training Course (SAITC) at the James J. Rowley Training Center (JJRTC), new Special Agents begin a 13-week-long program known as the Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP), at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC).
During the CITP, students receive training in a variety of law enforcement roles which ranges from criminal investigations to firearm training. Four weeks prior to graduation from the FLETC, students undertake a second fitness assessment and must score a minimum of six points and at least one point in three of the four core fitness elements.
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JJRTC
Successfully completing the CITP is followed by an 18-week-long Special Agent Training Course (SATC) at JJRTC. Trainees receive basic knowledge and advanced training in combatting counterfeiting, access device fraud and other financial criminal activity. They also receive training in areas such as protective intelligence investigations, cybersecurity, physical protection techniques, protective advances and emergency medicine.
The core curriculum of the SATC includes marksmanship, control tactics, water survival skills and physical fitness. Special Agents, whilst at the SATC regularly retrain in firearms and also take medicine refresher courses.
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2.4.3 Field Office Assignment
During the field office assignment, Special Agents are assigned to a field office prior to being reassigned to a permanent protective assignment.
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2.4.4 Protective Assignment
Once an agent is reassigned to a permanent protective division they are relocated to Washington DC and assigned to one of the following divisions:
- Office of Protective Operations (OPO)
- Presidential Protective Division (PPD)
- Vice Presidential Protective Division (VPD)
- Special Operations Division (SOD)
- Counter Assault Team (CAT)
- Hazardous Agent Mitigation Medical Emergency Response (HAMMER)
- Air Space Security Branch
- Counter Surveillance Division (CSD)
- Critical Systems Protection (CSP)
- Technical Security Division (TSD)
- Office of Strategic Intelligence and Information
- Protective Intelligence and Assessment Division (PID)
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Special Operations Division (SOD) and Specialised Programs
Under the Office of Protective Operations (OPO) there is the Special Operations Division (SOD). Within the SOD there are several specialised programs which are as follows:
CAT – Counter Assault Team
The mission of CAT is to reinforce the shift and to protect against an organised attack by assailants. It is a specialised unit within the USSS that provides full-time, global tactical support to the Presidential Protective Division.
It also, on order, can provide tactical support to designated protectees, venues and National Special Security Events.
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HAMMER – Hazardous Agent Mitigation & Medical Emergency Response
The mission of HAMMER agents is to provide hazardous agent mitigation, emergency medical intervention and also extrication capabilities to the wider protective missions. HAMMER units can respond to hazardous, toxic or lethal environments in order to locate, extract, decontaminate, and provide life-saving medical interventions for Secret Service protectees.
HAMMER personnel utilise cutting-edge technology to survey the immediate vicinity around protectees for potential threats which can include chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) contaminants.
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CFTF – Cyber Fraud Task Forces
The Cyber Fraud Task Force’s mission scope includes the protection of the US financial infrastructure and the maintenance of financial systems.
The federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) law enforcement agencies, federal and state prosecutors, the private sector, and academics work together to enable the Cyber Fraud Task Forces (CFTFs) to efficiently utilise the combined knowledge and experience of several important parties that are essential in the fight against cybercrime.
The Secret Service National Computer Forensics Institute (NCFI)-trained SLTT task force officers, forensic analysts working in the CFTF Digital Evidence Forensic Labs, special agents, and technical experts staff the CFTFs.
In 2011, the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks led to the introduction of the USA PATRIOT Act which mandated the USSS to expand the New York ECTF concept nationally. This was done for the purpose of
“preventing, detecting, and investigating various forms of electronic crimes, including potential terrorist attacks against critical infrastructure and financial payment systems.”
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2.4.6 Post-Protective Field Office/ HQ Assignment
During this phase, Special Agents choose from several availability-based assignment and reassignment options. They may be assigned to a previously employed field office, a new one, or one of the aforementioned divisions.
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2.5 Uniformed Division and Uniformed Division Officers
The Uniformed Division of the USSS protects the facilities and venues which have been previously secured for VIPs. Mandated to provide physical security for the White House complex, the Vice President Residence at the Naval Observatory, it also provides security for foreign diplomatic missions and the Treasury Department building.
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Requirements to be a Uniformed Division Officer
There are several requirements which applicants must meet in order to become a Uniformed Division Officer. These are as follows:
- US Citizenship
- 20 Years of Age+
- Possess a valid driver’s license
- Possess visual acuity
- Hearing examination
- No visible body markings – Tattoos are allowed as long as they are not on the head, face, neck, hand and fingers (below the wrist)
- Be in excellent health and physical condition
- Qualify for Top Secret security clearance
- No drug use
- LE 01 Qualification
- Selective service registration
- Be able to carry and use a firearm
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Application Roadmap of a Uniformed Division Officer
The application roadmap to become a Uniformed Division Officer is as follows:
- Competency Phase
- Application received by the USSS
- Application reviewed by the USSS
- A cursory criminal background check is carried out
- Entrance examination
- Applicant Physical Abilities Test (APAT)
- Pre-employment interview
- A conditional job offer is given
- Suitability and Security Phase
- Security Interview
- Eye exam and eQIP form submission
- Polygraph
- Medical and drug test
- Background investigation
- SMD Clearance approval/denial
- Enter-on-duty location and date established
- Following this the employee reports to the training
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2.5.1 Uniformed Division Officer Training
The 29-week long training course given to Uniformed Division applicants and trainees covers a wider range of topics and areas.
Initially, recruits must complete the 12-week Uniformed Police Training Program (UPTP) at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Glynco, Georgia or Artesia, New Mexico. After this, recruits then receive 17 weeks of specialized instruction at the training facility near Washington, D.C.
The 29-week long training period covers several subjects, including but not limited to:
- Access control
- Police procedures
- Criminal law
- Firearms training
- Emergency medicine
- Control tactics
- Arrest procedures
- Driver training
- Search and seizure
- Police and community relations
- Physical fitness
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Secret Service Physical Fitness Assessment
All applicants to the Uniformed Division must undertake several Physical Fitness assessments to see if they possess the physical capabilities to carry out their duties. There are four core elements of the assessment and this includes:
- Maximum push-ups in one minute
- Maximum sit-ups in one minute
- Maximum chin-ups in one minute
- Timed 1.5-mile run
These are graded on a scale which is as follows:
- Excellent = 4 points
- Good = 3 points
- Fair = 2 points
- Poor = 1 point
- Very Poor = 0 points
- Maximum possible = 16 points
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Sequence of Fitness Assessments
There are several fitness assessments based on the previously mentioned Secret Service Physical Fitness Assessment and these are as follows:
- FLETC Fitness Assessment – Four weeks prior to graduating from the FLETC students undertake a second fitness assessment and must score a minimum of six points and one point in three of the four core fitness elements.
- JJRTC Beginning Fitness Assessment – Upon arrival at the JJRTC students undertake the JJRTC Beginning Fitness Assessment. They must score a minimum of seven points and one in three of the four core fitness elements.
- Midterm Fitness Assessment – Students must score a minimum of nine points with one in three of the four core fitness elements.
- Final Fitness Assessment – Students receive a final fitness assessment at the JJRTC and must score a minimum of 10 points with one gained in all of the core fitness elements.
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2.5.3 Uniformed Division Entrance Exam (UDEE)
The UDEE is used to assess the range of skills and abilities required for successful completion of duties as a Uniformed Division (UD) Officer. It is composed of several sections which include:
- Section 1 – Critical Thinking test
- Section 2 – Situational judgement test
- Section 3 – Memory Skills Test
- Section 4 – Figural Reasoning test
- Section 5 – Officer Writing test
- Section 6 – Work style inventory
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2.5.4 Applicant Physical Abilities Test (APAT)
The APAT is a pre-employment physical fitness test that evaluates an applicant’s ability to perform job-related physical tasks by measuring muscular and dynamic strength, endurance, flexibility, aerobic capacity, and other factors related to physical aptitude.
There are several tests which include:
- Push-ups – The minimum required is 14 push-ups
- Sit-ups – The minimum required is greater than 22 sit-ups
- 1.5-mile run – Minimum required time is less than 19 minutes 41 seconds
- Illinois Agility Run – Minimum required time is less than 23.89 seconds
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2.5.3 Uniformed Division Organisation
The Uniformed Division (UD) is divided into several different branches which are as follows:
- Foreign Missions Branch
- Naval Observatory Branch
- White House Branch
- Office of the Chief
- Rowley Training Center
- Special Operations Branch
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White House Branch
The White House Branch of the UD is tasked with any functions which include the protection of the White House complex. This involves the protection of the general building aswell as providing security to the president and any VIPs in the White House.
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Naval Observatory Branch
The Naval Observatory Branch of the UD actively protects the Vice President, the Vice President’s family, and the residence at the Naval Observatory.
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Foreign Missions Branch
The Foreign Missions Branch of the UD is tasked with the protection of foreign diplomatic locations and foreign diplomatic personnel in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. They patrol the Washington D.C. embassy district in marked police vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles and on foot.
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Special Operations Branch
The Special Operations Branch, formerly known as the Special Programs Branch, is composed of several Uniformed Divison Units. This includes:
- Counter Sniper Team
- Emergency Response Team – Includes the Specialised Rifle Unit
- Canine Explosive Detection Unit
- Airspace Security Branch
- Hazardous Agent Mitigation Medical Emergency Response (HAMMER)
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2.5.4 Specialised Uniformed Division Units
There are several specialised units within the Uniformed Division and these include:
- Canine (K-9) Unit – Performs security sweeps and responds to bomb threats and suspicious packages.
- Emergency Response Team – Provides a coordinated tactical response for the White House and other protected facilities. This assignment includes a tactical K-9 element.
- Counter Sniper Team – Utilises observation, sighting equipment, and high-power weapons to provide a secure environment for protectees
- Motorcade Support Unit – These officers provide motorcycle tactical support for official movements of motorcades.
- Crime Scene Search Unit – Photographs, collects, and processes physical and latent evidence.
- Office of Training – Serves as firearms, classroom, fitness, control tactics, and/or protective driving instructors to new recruits, as well as provides in-service training.
- Special Operations Branch – Handles special duties and functions at the White House Complex, including conducting tours.
- Outreach Branch – Coordinates the recruitment of special agents, uniform division officers, technical law enforcement, and administrative, professional, and technical personnel.
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3 Equipment of the US Secret Service
The USSS uses a wide variety of weapons and equipment as well as vehicles. This includes regular patrol cars and also “The Beast”.
3.1 Weapons In Use with the Secret Service
The US Secret Service uses a wide variety of weapons which includes but is not limited to:
- Pistols
- Sig Sauer P229 – .357 SIG
- Sig Sauer P239 – .357 SIG
- Glock G19 Gen 5 MOS – 9MM
- Glock G47 – 9MM
- Glock G26 – 9MM
- Shotgun
- Remington 870 – 12 Gauge
- Sub-Machine Guns (SMGs)
- FN P90 – 5.7x28MM
- H&K MP5 – 9MM
- Rifles
- Accuracy International Remongton 700 AX Chassis System
- KAC SR-25/MK11 Mod 0 – 7.62x51MM
- KAC SR-16 CQB – 5.56x45MM
3.2 Vehicles in Use with the Secret Service
The USSS uses a variety of vehicles including but not limited to:
- Motorcycles
- Bikes
- Ford Taurus
- Ford Police Interceptor Utility
- Armoured Cadillac Limousines
3.2.1 The Beast
The Beast is an armoured Cadillac limousine which is used to transport the President of the United States. The current model of the Beast limousine was first debuted with President Trump in 2018.
It has several identifiable and known features such as:
- Blood stores – In the president’s blood type
- Hermetically sealed – To protect against chemical and biological attacks
- Run-flat tyres
- Night vision devices
- Smoke screens
- Oil slicks
- Armour composed of aluminium ceramic and steel
- Exterior walls – 200MM
- Windows – 130MM
- Electrified handles
3.3 Attire of the US Secret Service
The US Secret Service and the agents within use lapel pins in order to identify themselves not only to one another but also to other agencies which they may be working with. These lapel pins reportedly contain identifiable RFID transponder chips that link to an agency database, enabling easy identification of legitimate agents.
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4 Tactical-Operational Information
The US Secret Service and its Special Agents and also its Uniformed Divison officers have two critical missions. This is the protective and investigative mission.
4.1 Protective Mission
The Protective mission of the USSS involves the protection of the President of the United States, Vice President, President-elect, Vice President-elect and their immediate families.
It also involves the protection of former presidents, their spouses and children under the age of 16, those in the presidential line of succession, major presidential and vice presidential candidates and their spouses.
Additionally, the USSS actively protects foreign visiting dignitaries and heads of state.
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4.2 Investigative Mission
The investigative mission of the USSS involves the investigation and protection of the US financial system against cyber and financial crimes. These financial crimes can involve mail fraud, wire fraud, illicit financial operations and bank and financial institution fraud to name a few.
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5 Conclusion
The United States Secret Service actively protects the US President, along with numerous other politicians and foreign dignitaries, fulfilling its vital role as a federal law enforcement agency. With a history dating back to 1865, their tasks and mandated activities have changed substantially. Originally tasked with solely the investigation and seizing of illicit currencies they are now also responsible for the protection of politicians, their families, residences and also various other buildings in and around the Washington DC Area.
