Secret Service Agent: How to Become One and Why You Should
US Secret Service Agents are part of the Department of Homeland Security. This means that working for the US Secret Service vests you with the responsibility to maintain law and order in the United States. It is a job with the federal government, which brings with it many benefits and perks, but also many risks.
Secret Service Agent Job Duties and Responsibilities
Secret Service Agents have the primary responsibility of investigating the counterfeiting of US currency, notes, and treasury bonds. Secret Service Agents are also known for providing services for the US President and Vice- President and their families. They also work to investigate identity theft and fraud and will sometimes work with local authorities in investigating crimes.
Secret Service Agent Education and Job Requirements
In can be quite a challenge to become a Secret Service Agent. For some it is like going through the eye of a needle. You must first fulfill the minimum requirements set by the Department of Homeland Security. You must be between 23-27 years of age, a US citizen, and must have a clean record, without any outstanding civil or criminal case.
It is recommended that you at least earn a Bachelor of Criminal justice before working for the US secret service. Courses in Criminal Justice, Pre-law, Police Science, Criminology, or Law Enforcement are recommended.
Next, you must file your application by contacting the US Secret Service office. You can visit the official U.S. Secret Service Field Offices Web page for a compete listing of offices in the US.
You will have to undergo a background check after filing your application. You will be screened for felony records or any illegal activities. Actually, the DHS performs regular checks on their staff and employees in order to guarantee that no one is doing anything that is questionable or that can potentially compromise the security of the institution and its officers. After passing this initial screening, you have to pass a medical, physical, and lie detector test.
After the series of tests, you will undergo 9 weeks of specialized training that will include special agent tests and courses such as firearms training in Washington D.C. Once you pass training you will then be assigned in the field and can begin officially working for the US Secret Service. This is the hands-on experience aspect of the training program. After a year, you may then be recommended to become a permanent agent.
Secret Service Agent Job Prospects and Salaries
Job prospects in the Secret Service are projected to increase in the field of law enforcement. Jobs in the Secret Service are competitive so be sure you can stand out from the pack by your educational attainment and perhaps, fluency in a foreign language.
Newly hired Special Agents may be assigned to work anywhere in the US. Throughout your career, you can experience frequent traveling with reassignments to other Secret Service offices located across the United States or even in other countries for liaison assignments. You must sign a mobility agreement that will state your willingness to accept work anywhere within the country and overseas.
Secret Service Agents or Special agents that are hired at the GL-7 or GL-9 grade levels will earn salaries that are dependent on their education, qualifications, grade levels, and geographic location. For 2009, the starting salary range is $43,200 – $73,354 per year.