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assigned customary work schedules. Postal Inspectors often work under stressful and hazardous
conditions and may be subject to physical injuries during the seizure and arrest of suspects. The fringe
benefits of Postal Inspectors include paid vacations and sick leave, job security, and life and health
insurance benefits. Postal Inspectors with 20 years of investigative work experience are eligible to retire
at age 50.
Promotion Opportunities
Postal Inspectors are appointed at EAS-17 with nearly automatic promotion to EAS-21 within two-and-
a-half years. Further promotion is possible to Specialist at EAS-23 and Team Leader at EAS-24. In
addition, Postal Inspectors receive a cost-of-living allowance and are eligible for merit increases.
The advancement potential for Postal Inspectors is excellent, and those who qualify can compete for
promotions to supervisory or administrative positions.
U.S. SECRET SERVICE UNIFORMED DIVISION OFFICER
The U.S. Secret Service Uniformed Division was begun in 1922. In September of that year, the Congress
of the United States, at the urging of the President, authorized the creation of a uniformed security unit
to be known as the White House Police Force, working under the supervision of the President's military
aide. In 1930, supervision was transferred to the Director of the Secret Service. This force was given the
responsibility of protecting the President and his family when in residence at the White House and
maintaining security for the Executive Mansion and grounds in the District of Columbia or any buildings
in which White House offices are located. In 1970, the name of this police force was changed to the
Executive Protective Service. Its staff was increased, and it was given the added responsibility of
maintaining security at the foreign diplomatic missions located in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan
area. In November 1977, President Carter signed into law a bill that changed the name of the Executive
Protective Service to its present title of U.S. Secret Service Uniformed Division.
Duties of the Job
Currently, the Secret Service Uniformed Division is composed of two main sections: the White House
and Foreign Missions branches. Officers assigned to the White House branch help protect the President
and family members, provide security throughout the White House complex, and safeguard other
locations housing presidential offices. Officers in the Foreign Missions branch provide protection and
security for foreign diplomatic missions located in the District of Columbia or in any areas of our nation,
its territories, or possessions specified by order of the President. In addition, Uniformed Division Officers
help protect the Vice President and family members as well as their official residence in Washington, D.C.
Vital functions carried out by the Uniformed Division Officers are continuous--24 hours a day, seven
days a week. They are authorized to enforce all laws related to their protective responsibilities. To carry
out their assignments in an effective manner, these officers employ sound professional law enforcement
practices. They engage in continuous patrol activities on foot or in mobile units such as motorbikes or
automobiles, according to the nature and location of their duty posts. During these patrols, they
thoroughly check the security of buildings, grounds, and alarm systems. Some Uniformed Division
Officers are assigned to fixed security posts rather than continuous patrol. Such posts may be points of
entry or exit at foreign embassies or in the White House complex. Officers examine visitors' credentials,
prevent unauthorized entry or exit, and maintain order within their assigned areas.
