Secret Service question

Hi...

Candidates must qualify to be on the ballot and actively campaigning in 10 or more states

There is some level of campaign contributions received, but I don't recall what it is

Candidates may decline Secret Service potection (as may former presidents, Carter for example)

Homeland Security has the role of determining who gets Secret Service protection.

The Secret Servie is part of the Treasury Department.  There is a "plain clothes" and uniform devision.  Ther "plain clothes" folks are the ones you typically see on Presidential detail.  Uniform division are found guarding the gates of the White House, grounds, and at the Capital Building.

Being part of the Treasury Department they deal with counterfitting and stuff like that.  If memory serves, the Treasury took on the presidentoial protection duty because nobody else wanted it.  Early on the president had no protection unit.  Andrew Jackson fought off his attempted assassin himself with a walking stick on a Washington street.  Again if memory serves a regular presidential unit was formed in the late 1880's by the Treasury.

It usually takes several years of other assignments before an agent can qualify for presidential protection duty.

As I understand things (from knowing a former agent) the presidential detail is very intense, emotionally and physically taxing.

See ya!

Yes Goat it can be a PITA if you get stuck in some less than ideal spot for 16 hours with no breaks. The roving posts are the best.

I actually got to see Bill who was just a few feet from me. I also got to see up close Bill's ride. For security reasons no one is allowed to open the doors . The Agent in charge of the limo detail allowed me peek thru the thick glass. It was a vey interesting and instructional meeting.

plasticjunkie

Phil's link is very informative will answer all questions regarding the USSS. Years ago I was detached to them from my police dept. in a multi-agengy task force when Clinton came to Miami. I was assigned to the agent in charge of the detail so I got to see the extent of the preparation and hard work those guys do. The agent explained that their main function is to detect counterfeit currency. The Security Detail is rotated amogst the Agents. Believe me it gets to be quite boring after a while  and many agents love going back to their regular duties. 

 

 

I have been assigned to Presidential details since Carter was in office. Real PITA if you ask me.

I was working a hallway in a major downtown hotel when Clinton and the entourage of Secret Service folks started my way. The lead agents either weren't aware local coppers were staged or they were just reacting to a threat, but I got sequestered in a room. 

Curiously so was the President himself and a Deputy Chief of police. The room  was configured for refreshments so the Deputy Chief began pouring coffee for President Clinton and I. We had quite a raucus conversation until the coast was cleared and Bill was allowed to leave.  

Funniest statement Clinton made: " You know what's the best thing about this arrangement?" "No sir, pray tell." Answer "Hillary's stuck across the hall!"

Old man Bush was a hoot too. You just didn't see it in public.

Phil's link is very informative will answer all questions regarding the USSS. Years ago I was detached to them from my police dept. in a multi-agengy task force when Clinton came to Miami. I was assigned to the agent in charge of the detail so I got to see the extent of the preparation and hard work those guys do. The agent explained that their main function is to detect counterfeit currency. The Security Detail is rotated amogst the Agents. Believe me it gets to be quite boring after a while  and many agents love going back to their regular duties. 

Hi Mate !

 I believe the only ones that do are the ones trying to be candidates , then the ones who actuallu get to be the " chosen Ones " .Personally I think they should all go back to work and leave us alone !. Oh , and quit with the ads alreaady !  T.B.

Only "major" candidates.

I could tell you.... 

But I'd Have to.... BORE you.... 

Can't really, but be carefull of political jokes, over here in the old country, they get elected!

Interestingly, the Secret Service isn't simply a protective agency.

http://www.secretservice.gov/about/faqs/