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assigned locations. They are given on-the-job training until they can function independently and
successfully complete their probationary period. Throughout their postal careers, they continue to receive
training to keep them current with new laws, procedures, and court decisions involving their work.
U.S. SECRET SERVICE UNIFORMED DIVISION OFFICER
Applicants for this position are carefully selected according to the high standards of the U.S. Secret
Service. Each applicant must be a U.S. citizen, must be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment
to duty, and must have a high school diploma, a recognized equivalent, or one year of work experience
as a Police Officer in a city with a population over a half million persons. Other requirements include a
passing grade on the written Secret Service Entrance Examination, a qualifying rating on a personal
interview conducted by agency personnel, and successful passing of a qualifying medical examination
to determine physical and mental fitness. The physical examination either is taken at the candidate's own
expense or is obtained free of charge at the Washington, D.C., Police and Fire Clinic. Vision requirements
are at least 20/40 in each eye, correctable to 20/20, and weight must be in proportion to height. A
comprehensive background investigation is made to determine the individual's general character,
honesty, and loyalty to the U.S. government and to ensure suitability for top security-clearance rating. In
addition, applicants must be able to work rotating shifts, including weekends, and must possess a valid
automobile driver's license.
Newly hired officers are given intensive training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in
Glynco, Georgia. This program provides instruction in areas such as criminal law; police procedures;
police-community relations; rules of arrest, search, and seizure; self-defense techniques; the use of
various firearms; first aid and lifesaving techniques; physical fitness; psychology; and rules of diplomatic
immunity and protocol.
Classroom instruction is supplemented by on-the-job training. Periodic inservice training is received
as new techniques are developed. After successfully completing this program of training, new
officers are assigned on a probationary basis and work alongside experienced personnel. After demon-
strating satisfactory work performance during the probationary period, new officers receive permanent
appointments.
SECRET SERVICE SPECIAL AGENT
Candidates for the position of Special Agent are carefully selected according to the rigid standards of this
agency. They must be U.S. citizens between the ages of 21 and 37 at the time of appointment to duty. They
must meet one of the following requirements: a bachelor's degree in a major field of study; three years
of work experience, two of these years involving criminal investigations; or a suitable combination of
investigative experience and education. Each candidate is required to make a qualifying grade on the
Treasury Enforcement Agent Examination. Those who qualify on this test are further evaluated by oral
and written examinations that assess such areas as communication skills both verbal and written;
analytical ability; emotional stability; and appearance, poise, and adaptability to changing situations.
Each candidate is given a qualifying medical examination to determine physical and mental fitness and
freedom from any disabilities that would interfere with normal work or training activities. Among the
rigorous physical requirements is a requirement of 20/40 vision correctable to 20/20. A comprehensive
background investigation of each applicant is conducted to determine general character, honesty, and
loyalty to the U.S. government. This is extremely important as Agents receive a top-secret security
clearance.
