The United States Secret Service was founded in 1865 to investigate and prosecute crimes related to counterfeiting American currency. It also provides protection for the president, his family, and visiting dignitaries. The agency employs 5,000 people and cooperates with other federal agencies. It also investigates securities fraud, financial fraud, money laundering, and electronic fraud. The Secret Service is highly effective and has thwarted several public assassination attempts. Employment with the organization requires extensive background checks and a willingness to lead a busy and sometimes highly stressful life.
The United States Secret Service was founded in 1865 as a branch of the United States Treasury to investigate and prosecute crimes related to counterfeiting American currency. In the mid-1800s, it was estimated that up to 30% of currency in circulation might actually be counterfeit. The need for an investigative body to safeguard the American economy was vital. This mission surprises many Americans, who associate law enforcement with protecting the President of the United States.
Indeed, the Secret Service performs two vital missions: to safeguard the integrity of the American currency and to provide protection for the president, his family and visiting dignitaries. In 2003, as part of the general reorganization of federal law enforcement under the Homeland Security Act, the Secret Service was incorporated into the Department of Homeland Security. As part of its mission, it cooperates with numerous other federal agencies, although the jobs of the department itself are generally overshadowed so that it can operate more effectively.
5,000 people are employed by the Secret Service in a variety of positions. Many employees are highly educated as well as well trained. As part of the agency’s anti-counterfeiting work, forensic document examiners, business professionals, and others work together to safeguard the United States Treasury. In addition to counterfeiting hard currency, the Secret Service also investigates securities fraud, financial fraud in general, money laundering and electronic fraud.
In 1902, the Secret Service also assumed protective duties for the president. The protective arm employs intelligence professionals, bodyguards, and general law enforcement personnel who are expected to act quickly and professionally in a variety of situations. The agency protects current presidents and their close families, and also offers protection to former presidents, the president-elect, and high-profile visiting officials. In some cases, Secret Service protection can even be extended to high-profile officials such as candidates for president who have received credible threats to their lives.
Like any law enforcement agency, the Secret Service is not infallible, but it is highly effective. Several public assassination attempts have been thwarted by the actions of these officers, and countless other plots have been uncovered and stopped. Agents can be found in field offices in all 50 states as well as overseas and generally dress and demeanor to blend in with their environments. Employment with the organization requires extensive background checks, coupled with a willingness to lead a busy and sometimes highly stressful life.
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