United States Secret Service (USSS)

Course: Introduction / Policing

Housed within the Department of Homeland Security, the United States Secret Service (USSS) safeguards the nation’s financial infrastructure and payment systems to preserve the integrity of the economy, and protects national leaders, visiting heads of state and government, designated sites, and National Special Security Events.

The United States Secret Service (USSS) was originally established in 1865 as a division of the Treasury Department to combat counterfeiting. Over the years, the agency’s responsibilities have expanded to include the protection of national leaders, visiting heads of state and government, and designated sites. The USSS also has the critical mission of safeguarding the nation’s financial infrastructure and payment systems to preserve the integrity of the economy.

The USSS has two main divisions: Protective Services and Investigative Services. The Protective Services division is responsible for providing protection to the President, Vice President, and their families, as well as visiting heads of state and government and other designated individuals. The division also provides security for National Special Security Events (NSSEs), such as presidential inaugurations and United Nations General Assembly meetings.

The Investigative Services division is responsible for investigating financial crimes, such as counterfeiting of currency and U.S. Treasury securities, and fraud against the government. The division also investigates threats against protected individuals and conducts criminal investigations related to the USSS’s protective mission. In addition, the division has a Cyber Intelligence Section that conducts investigations related to cybercrime.

The USSS is known for its professionalism and has a rigorous training program for its agents. Agents undergo extensive training in areas such as firearms, physical fitness, and defensive tactics. The agency also has a strong focus on technology and innovation, utilizing cutting-edge tools and techniques to carry out its mission.

The USSS’s protection of national leaders and designated sites is a critical aspect of national security, and the agency has a long history of successfully carrying out this mission. However, the USSS has faced some criticism in recent years related to incidents such as security breaches at the White House and misconduct by some agents. The agency has taken steps to address these issues and improve its operations.

In addition to its domestic responsibilities, the USSS also has a role in international law enforcement cooperation. The agency works with law enforcement agencies in other countries to combat transnational financial crimes and protect U.S. interests abroad. The USSS is also a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and participates in various international law enforcement training programs.

Overall, the United States Secret Service plays a critical role in safeguarding the nation’s financial infrastructure and protecting national leaders and designated sites. Its mission is essential to national security and requires a high level of professionalism and expertise from its agents.