56 L
AW
E
NFORCEMENT
E
XAMS
Uniformed Division Officers are fully trained for all types of assignments and are ready to respond to
a variety of situations. For example, in cases of bomb threats, the delivery of suspicious parcels, or
suspected intruders on government or embassy properties, the Uniformed Division may call in canine
teams to assist in solving the problem. These dogs and their Uniformed Division handlers are skilled in
methods of search, scouting, and apprehension as well as in the techniques of detecting explosive devices,
whether real or false. In certain instances, the Secret Service Uniformed Division, at the request of the
U.S. State Department, assigns officers to duty at foreign embassy functions to provide extra security and
to direct traffic control activities. Uniformed Division Officers have full authority to detain, search, and
arrest individuals suspected of breaking laws falling within the jurisdiction of the U.S. Secret Service.
This includes use of firearms and physical force if the situation justifies. However, the Secret Service
Uniformed Division does not routinely enforce laws outside its jurisdiction, leaving such matters to the
local police department or appropriate federal law enforcement agencies. In addition to their law
enforcement and security activities, Uniformed Division Officers, upon request, speak before foreign
embassy personnel to describe in detail the administration, purposes, and jurisdiction of the Uniformed
Division of the U.S. Secret Service.
Working Conditions
Officers of the Uniformed Division are generally assigned to work locations in the metropolitan areas
of Washington, D.C. At times, however, assignments may be made to other areas of the United States,
its territories, or possessions, according to presidential directive. Officers must be available for weekend
duty and rotating shifts and may be required to work in excess of 40 hours a week. They often perform
their duties under stress and are subject to potential physical hazards throughout their careers. The fringe
benefits Uniformed Division Officers receive include paid vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, free
uniforms and equipment, overtime pay, low-cost medical and life insurance, retirement credits for prior
military or federal civilian service, and retirement pension after 20 years of service.
Promotion Opportunities
The U.S. Secret Service Uniformed Division offers its officers favorable career-development prospects
and provides opportunities for participation in advanced in-service training programs. Officers who
exhibit the desire and competence to engage in more complex assignments can compete for supervisory
or higher-level positions.
SECRET SERVICE SPECIAL AGENT
Duties of the Job
The primary responsibility of the Secret Service is protection of the President of the United States. In
addition, Special Agents are authorized by law to protect the Vice President, the immediate families of
the President and Vice President, the President-elect and Vice President-elect and their immediate
families, a former President and his wife during their lifetime, the widow of a former President until her
death or remarriage, minor children of a former President until age 16, major Presidential and Vice
Presidential candidates, and visiting heads of foreign governments.
The protective measures used by the U.S. Secret Service are, for the most part, basically the same for
all individuals being safeguarded. When Special Agents are assigned to protect a particular person, their
first task is to plan, organize, and put into effect security arrangements well in advance of the person's
arrival. These advance agents and other agency staff work closely with the Special Agent in charge of the
