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the conduct of the investigation. They interview witnesses and suspects to obtain useful information and
evidence in the case. When necessary, they work undercover, keep suspects under surveillance, and use
court-approved listening devices to gather evidence and uncover others involved in the case. After
gathering and analyzing all available data and evidence, Special Agents determine what investigative,
arrest, and/or seizure activities are in order. When the evidence indicates, they seize, search, arrest, and
take suspects into custody, as authorized by appropriate legal warrants. They carry out these activities in
teams or as part of a group of agents conducting raids on suspected establishments. Special Agents are
highly skilled in the use of various types of firearms as well as in hand-to-hand defensive tactics, and they
use these skills as needed when apprehending suspects. Agents prepare detailed, written reports of all
cases in which they take part and assist U.S. Attorneys in the preparation of cases for trial. They are also
called upon to give court testimony in cases in which they participated.
Working Conditions
The Secret Service has district field offices throughout the United States; its headquarters are in
Washington, D.C. Special Agents may be assigned to work locations anywhere in the United States and
travel frequently while performing their duties. In addition, they are usually subject to transfers and work
reassignments throughout their careers. Agents must be available for assignments at any time and often
work more than 40 hours per week. They work under stress and are exposed to potential physical harm
during the course of their protective or investigative duties. The fringe benefits for which Special Agents
are eligible include low-cost medical and life insurance, financial protection in the event of job-related
injury or death, paid vacations, sick leave, overtime pay, and retirement annuities. Agents with 20 years
of service may retire at age 50. Retirement is mandatory at age 55.
Promotion Opportunities
Secret Service Special Agents start at grade GS-5 or GS-7. The advancement prospects of Special Agents
are quite favorable, and those who demonstrate the ability to assume greater responsibilities are eligible
to compete for supervisory or higher-level positions.
OTHER OPTIONS
We have described a representative sampling of federal law enforcement positions, but there are many
other opportunities available. To learn about the many specialized federal law enforcement careers, read
Arco's Federal Jobs in Law Enforcement.
