United States Secret Service: Frequently Asked Questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

About the Secret Service

What is the origin of the U.S. Secret Service?

The U.S. Secret Service, one of the nation's oldest federal investigative law enforcement agencies, was founded in 1865 as a branch of the U.S. Treasury Department. The original mission was to investigate counterfeiting of U.S. currency. It was estimated that one-third to one-half of the currency in circulation at that time was counterfeit. In 1901, following the assassination of President William McKinley in Buffalo, New York, the Secret Service was assigned the responsibility of protecting the President. Today, the Secret Service's mission is two fold: protection of the President, Vice President and others; and protection of our nation's financial system.
Who is the Secret Service authorized to protect?

By law, the Secret Service is authorized to protect the President, Vice President, President-elect, Vice President-elect, and their immediate family members; former Presidents and their spouses; minor children of a former President until the age of 16; major Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates, and within 120 days of the general election, their spouses; visiting foreign heads of government or heads of state; and others if authorized by the President. An individual who receives Secret Service protection is referred to as a "protectee." In 1997, Congressional legislation became effective limiting Secret Service protection to former Presidents for a period of not more than 10 years from the date the President leaves office. (Public Law 103-329)
How does the Secret Service "protect" the President?

The Secret Service strives to maintain a safe environment for the President and other protectees. To accomplish this task, the Secret Service calls upon other federal, state and local agencies to assist on a daily basis. For example, when the President is at the White House, the Secret Service Uniformed Division, the Metropolitan Police Department, and the U.S. Park Police patrol the streets and parks nearby. The Secret Service Technical Security Division regularly consults with experts from other agencies. The military supports the Secret Service through the use of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and communications resources. When the President travels, an advance team of Secret Service agents works with the host city and state law enforcement and public safety officials to jointly establish the security measures needed to protect him.
How can I report a threat towards a protectee?

Contact your nearest USSS field office (listed in the "Emergency Numbers" section in the front of most phone books.

The Secret Service does not desire or solicit information pertaining to individuals or groups expressing legitimate criticism of, or political opposition to, the policies and decisions of the government of government officials. However, we are interested in legitimate information relating to threats, plans or attempts by individuals, groups or organizations to harm USSS protectees.
What types of crimes does the Secret Service investigate?

The Secret Service has primary jurisdiction to investigate threats against Secret Service protectees; counterfeiting of U.S. currency or other U.S. Government obligations; forgery or theft of U.S. Treasury checks, bonds or other securities; credit card fraud; telecommunications fraud; computer fraud; identify fraud; and certain other crimes affecting federally insured financial institutions.
What legal authority and powers do Secret Service agents have?

Under Title 18, Section 3056, United States Code, agents and officers of the Secret Service can carry firearms; execute warrants issued under the laws of the United States; make arrests without warrants for any offense against the United States committed in their presence, or for any felony recognizable under the laws of the United States if they have reasonable grounds to believe that the person to be arrested has committed such felony; offer and pay rewards for services and information leading to the apprehension of persons involved in the violation of the law that the Secret Service is authorized to enforce; investigate fraud in connection with identification documents, fraudulent commerce, fictitious instruments and foreign securities; perform other functions and duties authorized by law. The Secret Service works closely with the United States Attorney's Office in both protective and investigative matters.
What are the rules for the printing, publishing and illustrations of U.S. currency?

The Counterfeit Detection Act of 1992, Public Law 102-550, in Section 411 of Title 31 of the Code of Federal Regulations, permits color illustrations of U.S. currency provided:
1. the illustration is of a size less than three-fourths or more than one and one-half, in linear dimension, of each part of the item illustrated;
2. the illustration is one-sided; and
3. all negatives, plates, positives, digitized storage medium, graphic files, magnetic medium, optical storage devices, and any other thing used in the making of the illustration that contain an image of the illustration or any part thereof are destroyed and/or deleted or erased after their final use.
Title 18, United States Code, Section 504 permits black and white reproductions of currency and other obligations, provided such reproductions meet the size requirement. See Know Your Money for more information.
How many people are employed by the Secret Service?

The Secret Service employs approximately 2,100 special agents, 1,200 Uniformed Division officers, and approximately 1,700 other technical, professional, and administrative support personnel. The Secret Service Uniformed Division is a uniformed force whose members protect the White House Complex, the Vice President's residence and foreign embassies and missions in the Washington, D.C.,area. Members of the Uniformed Division also perform other missions in support of the protection of the President, such as operating magnetometers, countersnipers, canine handlers, and special operations posts. The Secret Service has agents assigned to approximately 125 offices located in cities throughout the United States and in select foreign cities. To locate the Secret Service field office nearest to you, please consult the inside cover of your local telephone directory. Visit our Employment Opportunities page.
What kind of training do Secret Service agents receive?

Secret Service agents receive the finest law enforcement training in the world. New agent trainees are initially sent to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Glynco, Georgia, where they are enrolled in the Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP). This 9-week course, designed to train new federal investigators in such areas as criminal law and investigative techniques, provides a general foundation for the agency-specific training to follow.

Upon successful completion of CITP, new agent trainees attend the 11-week Special Agent Training Course at the Secret Service Training Academy, Beltsville, Maryland. This course focuses on specific Secret Service policies and procedures associated with the dual responsibilities of investigations and protection. Trainees are provided with basic knowledge and advanced application training in combating counterfeiting, access device fraud and other financial criminal activity, protective intelligence investigations, physical protection techniques, protective advances and emergency medicine. The core curriculum is augmented with extensive firearms training, control tactics, water survival skills and physical fitness.

Secret Service agents receive continuous advanced training throughout their careers. Agents are regularly provided with specialized training. In part, this training consists of regular firearms requalifications and emergency medicine refreshers. Detail agents also participate in unique simulated crisis training scenarios called "AOP" or Attack on Principal. These exercises present agents with a variety of "real world" emergency situations involving Secret Service protectees and are designed to provide agents with immediate feedback concerning their response to the problems.

Agents assigned to offices in the field have the opportunity to acquire advanced training in the area of criminal investigations. Courses such as Fundamentals of Banking, Advanced Access Device Fraud, Questioned Documents, Undercover Operations, Telecommunications Fraud and Financial Institution Fraud are generally offered at the Secret Service Training throughout the year. Agents also are encouraged to attend training sessions sponsored by other law enforcement agencies.

All Secret Service agents participate in a wide variety of management and individual development courses. Ethics, Diversity, Interpersonal Awareness, Practical Leadership and Introduction to Supervision are a small sampling of the topics currently offered to all personnel of the Secret Service.
What kind of training do uniformed officers receive?

New appointees receive intensive training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco,Georgia, and specialized instruction at Secret Service training in the Washington, D.C., area. Training includes course work in police procedures, firearms, physical fitness, psychology, police-community relations, criminal law, first aid, laws of arrest, search and seizure, physical defense techniques, diplomatic immunity, international treaties and protocol. On-the-job training and advanced in-service training programs supplement classroom studies.
What is the difference between special agents and Uniformed Division officers and what are the qualifications for those positions?

Secret Service special agent's duties include both investigation and protection. Special agents investigate financial crimes such as: counterfeiting of currency; false identification; credit and debit card fraud; computer fraud; forgery or theft of U.S. Government checks, bonds or other securities; telecommunications fraud; and certain other crimes affecting federally-insured financial institutions.

The protective responsibilities of special agents include protection for the President, Vice President and their families; former Presidents and their spouses; children of former Presidents until age 16; visiting heads of state or government; major Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates and their spouses; and other individuals at the direction of the President.

To qualify for the special agent position, an applicant must be a U.S. citizen and be less than 37 years of age when appointed. Applicants must have [1] a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; or [2] 3 years of work experience in the criminal investigations or law enforcement fields that required knowledge and application of laws relating to criminal violations; or [3] an equivalent combination of education and related experience. However, degrees in law enforcement, criminal justice accounting, foreign languages, and computer science may be beneficial. Before being considered for a special agent position, candidates must pass the Treasury Enforcement Agent Examination or the U.S. Marshall's Enforcement (1811 Series Eligibility) Examination. Candidates may apply at a branch of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management or at the nearest Secret Service field office. A limited number of the most qualified applicants will receive a series of in-depth interviews. These candidates must successfully complete a polygraph examination, a physical, an eye test (20/60 correctable to 20/20 is required) and participate in a drug-screening program as a condition of employment.

The Secret Service Uniformed Division is often compared to a police force. However, unlike a police force, Uniformed Division officers have one mission--protection. They provide protection for the White House Complex, the Main Treasury Building and Annex and other Presidential offices; the President and members of the immediate family; the temporary official residence of the Vice President; the Vice President and members of the immediate family; and foreign diplomatic missions in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. They accomplish their responsibilities through special support programs such as countersniper teams, canine units, and emergency response teams. In addition, they use a network of foot patrols, vehicular patrols, and fixed posts.

To qualify for the Uniformed Division officer position, an applicant must be a U.S. citizen and be at least 21 years old and less than 37 years of age when appointed. Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent. A college degree is not required, although a significant number of officers have college degrees. Applicants must pass a written test and will receive a series of in-depth interviews. These candidates must successfully complete a polygraph examination, a physical, an eye test (20/60 correctable to 20/20 is required) and participate in a drug screening program as a condition of employment. Applicants must be willing and able to relocate to the Washington, D.C. area; reasonable moving expenses may be paid for out-of-area hires.
What is the career path for a special agent?

Secret Service special agents receive an intensive 10 weeks of training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia. They then continue their training for an 11-week Special Agent Training Course at a Secret Service training facility in Maryland. There, agents receive advanced training in areas such as: protection, investigations, firearms, water safety, physical training, and defensive driving.

Secret Service special agents spend their first 6 to 8 years on-the-job assigned to a field office. After their field experience, agents are usually transferred to a protective detail where they will stay for 3 to 5 years. Following their protective assignment, many agents return to the field, transfer to a headquarters office, a training office, or other Washington, D.C.,-based assignment. However, promotions will affect the typical career path. An agents working hours depend upon the assignment. Generally, an agent can expect to travel a lot and do some shift work. Throughout, their career agents continue their training.
How long do former presidents receive Secret Service protection after they leave office?

In 1965, Congress authorized the Secret Service (Public Law 89-186) to protect a former president and his/her spouse during their lifetime, unless they decline protection. Congress recently enacted legislation that limits Secret Service protection for former presidents to ten years after leaving office. Under this new law, individuals who are in office before January 1, 1997, will continue to receive Secret Service protection for their lifetime. Individuals elected to office after that time will receive protection for ten years after leaving office. Therefore, former president Clinton will be the last President to receive lifetime protection.

Title 18, Section 3056 of the U.S. Code states, "The United States Secret Service is authorized to protect former presidents and their spouses for their lifetimes, except that protection of a spouse shall terminate in the event of remarriage unless the former president did not serve as president prior to January 1, 1997, in which case, former president and their spouses for a period of not more than ten years from the date a former president leaves office, except that--
- protection of a spouse shall terminate in the event of remarriage or the divorce from, or death of a former president; and
- should the death of a president occur while in office or within one year after leaving office, the spouse shall receive protection for one year from the time of such death.
Children of a former president who are under 16 years of age for a period not to exceed ten years or upon the child becoming 16 years of age, whichever comes first."
Does the Secret Service auction equipment and vehicles that it no longer uses?

The Secret Service does not conduct government auctions. The General Services Administration handles auctions of government property. You can contact them at the following address:

General Services Administration
Office of Public Affairs
18th & F Streets, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20405
www.gsa.gov/

Protecting Yourself

How can I detect counterfeit currency?

Visit our Know Your Money Page.
How can I protect myself against credit card fraud?
1. It is critical that you notify your bank or credit card company immediately if you lose your card. It may prevent someone else from using it illegally. Remember to get your card back after purchasing goods or services. Do not leave the card in hotel rooms or unnecessarily exposed for long periods of time. The number can be copied even if the card is not taken.
2. Retain all carbon copies of your receipts when making a purchase and retain receipts from ATM withdrawals. If you don't get a billing statement on time, notify the credit card issuer immediately. Check billing statements carefully upon receipt to make sure all charges are yours. Errors or changes that don't belong should be reported as soon as possible.
3. Do not put your credit card account number on checks used to pay your monthly bills. The credit card agency can always trace your check through your name/address information from your check.
4. Retain copies of receipts to check against billing statement. Be careful when disposing of materials and correspondence relating to your finances. Shred all receipt carbon copies to make sure your credit card number is unrecognizable. Do not throw away canceled checks, financial statements or letters offering pre-approved credit cards where others can easily find them.
5. Promptly destroy all old cards or cards you no longer use. Cut them in half and make sure the card number is unrecognizable.
6. Secure your mailbox. Obtain a lock, if necessary. If you receive mail through an apartment house clusterbox arrangement, make sure the locks for the panel and your box lock correctly.
7. When applying for a credit card, check the return address. If there is a sticker with a return address placed on the application, contact the card issuing company to verify the correct address.
8. Do not give your card number to anyone calling on the telephone offering you prizes or gifts.
9. Do not write your card number on a postcard notifying you that you have won a prize or gift and requesting the number as part of the award arrangements.
10. Do not leave gasoline credit card receipts at the pump. They contain your credit card number.

What to do if you have been the victim of credit card fraud or identity theft.

If your complaint is essentially a non-criminal dispute with a retailer or other business, you must immediately dispute the charge(s) in writing with the customer relations office of your credit card company.

If you have been the victim of credit card fraud or identity theft, the following tips will assist you:

Report the crime to the police immediately. Get a copy of your police report or case number. Credit card companies, your bank, and the insurance company may ask you to reference the report to verify the crime.
Immediately contact your credit card issuers. Get replacement cards with new account numbers and ask that the old account be processed as "account closed at consumers. request" for credit record purposes. You should also follow up this telephone conversation with a letter to the credit card company that summarizes your requests in writing.
Call the fraud units of the three credit reporting bureaus. Report the theft of your credit cards and/or numbers. Ask that your accounts be flagged. Also, add a victim's statement to your report that requests that they contact you to verify future credit applications. The following is a list of addresses and numbers to the three credit bureaus:

Equifax Credit Information Services - Consumer Fraud Div. P.O. Box 105496 Atlanta, Georgia 30348-5496 Tel: (800) 997-2493 www.equifax.com	Experian P.O. Box 2104 Allen, Texas 75013-2104 Tel: (888) EXPERIAN (397-3742) www.experian.com
Trans Union Fraud Victim Assistance Dept. P.O. Box 390 Springfield, PA 19064-0390 Tel: (800) 680-7289 www.transunion.com

Keep a log of all conversations with authorities and financial entities.
As with any personal information, only provide your credit card number to merchants you know. Also, remember to protect your social security number. You have to give your social security number for employment and tax purposes, but it is not necessary for many businesses. Notify the Social Security Administration.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the federal clearinghouse for complaints by victims of identity theft. Although the FTC does not have the authority to bring criminal cases, the Commission assists victims of identity theft by providing them with information to help them resolve the financial and other problems that can result from identity theft. The FTC also may refer victim complaints to other appropriate government agencies and private organizations for further action. If you have been a victim of ID theft, you can file a complaint with the FTC by contacting the FTC's Consumer Response Center.

By phone:
By mail:
On the Internet:
For consumer information:

How can I protect myself against check fraud?
1. Don't give your checking account number to people you don't know, even if they claim they are from your bank.
2. Reveal checking account information only to businesses you know to be reputable.
3. Report lost or stolen checks immediately.
4. Properly store or dispose of canceled checks, and guard new checks.
5. Report any inquiries or suspicious behavior to your banker who will take measures to protect your account and notify proper authorities.
6. Do not leave your automated teller machine receipt at the ATM; it contains account information.
7. Check your bank statements carefully and often.
8. Use direct deposit.
Tips for Businesses - Internal Procedures:
1. Review your bank statements regularly, and ensure that the authorized signers are not the same people who reconcile the account.
2. Have Social Security, and as many other checks as possible, deposited directly into your bank account rather than mailed to you.
3. Review all hiring procedures. Know your employees.
4. Make sure two people are responsible for accounts payable, and ensure that mailroom personnel and procedures are sound.
5. Keep all check stock or cash equivalents in a secure and locked facility.
6. Change keys or entry codes periodically to prevent routine access to storage areas.
7. Consider surprise audits.
8. Consider moving check disbursement activity to electronic payment.
9. Read and understand your bank contracts regarding liability for fraud under the Uniform Commercial Code.
Tips for Businesses - External Procedures:
1. Maintain contact with other businesses in your area so you can receive timely information on fraud occurrences. Keep a record of when, what, and how a fraud may have hurt your business so you can prevent it the next time.
2. Use bank services like positive pay, expedited return information and signature verification systems to protect your accounts payable and accounts receivable areas.
3. Purchase check stock from well-established vendors. Use safety paper. If you process your payables through a service bureau, make sure you have a copy of its security procedures.
4. Reconcile your check disbursements and deposits regularly.
5. If a payment account is fraudulently used, close the account as soon as possible.
6. Be cautious when using refund accounts, such as rebates for subscriptions. This is another target for check fraud. The checks are relatively easy to obtain and can be used for counterfeits.
7. Evaluate the use of negative check file databases, especially if you accept a large number of payments by check.
8. Find ways to replace paper documents with electronic payment devices.
9. Know your customer.
How can I protect myself against telemarketing fraud?

Tips for Determining Telemarketing Fraud:
1. High-pressure sales tactics.
2. Insistence on an immediate decision.
3. The offer sounds too good to be true.
4. A request for your credit card number for any purpose other than to make a purchase.
5. An offer to send someone to your home or office to pick up the money, or some other method such as overnight mail to get your funds more quickly.
6. A statement that something is "free," followed by a requirement that you pay for something.
7. An investment that is "without risk."
8. Unwillingness to provide written information or references (such as a bank or names of satisfied customers in your area) that you can contact.
9. A suggestion that you should make a purchase or investment on the basis of "trust."
Ways to Avoid Becoming a Victim:
1. Don't allow yourself to be pushed into a hurried decision.
2. Always request written information, by mail, about the product, service, investment or charity and about the organization that's offering it.
3. Don't make any investment or purchase you don't fully understand.
4. Ask with what state or federal agencies the firm is registered.
5. Check out the company or organization.
6. If an investment or major purchase is involved, request that information also be sent to your accountant, financial adviser, banker, or attorney for evaluation and an opinion.
7. Ask what recourse you would have if you make a purchase and aren't satisfied.
8. Beware of testimonials that you may have no way of verifying.
9. Don't provide personal financial information over the phone unless you are absolutely certain the caller has a bona fide need to know.
10. If necessary, hang up the phone.
How can I protect my privacy?
1. Get a copy of your credit report from more than one credit bureau. Check for inaccuracies.
2. Don't share personal information with anyone who doesn't have the right to know. Among other things, that means you shouldn't write down your social security, credit card, or telephone numbers on checks if it's not appropriate to do so. And don't offer this information to store clerks and unknown telephone marketers.
3. To avoid junk mail and telemarketing calls, write to direct marketing associations and request that your name be removed from any junk mail lists.
4. Be aware that almost every time you call an 800, 888, or 900 number, your name and address are captured by the company you dialed. This information becomes part of your electronic profile.
5. Ask your bank to notify you in writing when someone requests your records. Examine your automated teller receipts to make sure that the balance is correct and that nobody is tapping your account electronically.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Employment Opportunities

About the Secret Service

Protecting Yourself

Employment Opportunities

About the Secret Service

Protecting Yourself