How to Join the Secret Service

The Secret Service is one of the most elite law enforcement agencies in the United States, so many young people may want to know how to join the Secret Service. The role of the Secret Service is varied and wide. They are officially part of the Department of the Treasury but since 2003, they have also been part of the Department of Homeland Security. The Secret Service began in 1865, with its mission to help suppress the counterfeit currency. Since its beginning, its role has widened to include many other responsibilities. So, to land your dream job, you first need to know how to join the Secret Service.

What Does the Secret Service Do?

Throughout the history of this country, the Secret Service has been called upon to both protect the President of the United States and to investigate crimes. Because the protection of the President is its foremost concern, the secret service is also responsible for guarding the immediate family of the President, the Vice President and his family, the home of the Vice President, foreign heads of State and President elect prior to swearing in for the office.

Former Presidents and their families are also protected by the Secret Service for their lifetime, with the exception of the children who are protected until the age of 16. The spouses of foreign heads of State are protected by the Secret Service as well. They oversee protection for all diplomatic missions within the area of Washington, D.C. Finally, all major candidates for the office of President and Vice President are guarded and protected by the Secret Service during the campaign.

In addition to these duties, the original and continuing task of the Secret Service has been to suppress counterfeiting activities of United States currency. Through the passage of new laws by Congress, their role has expanded to include any counterfeiting activities not only within the United States but also abroad. In the modern world of electronic credit card and debit card transactions, the Secret Service also oversees the enforcement of fraud in these types of transactions. They further are involved in the enforcement of computer based crimes and identity theft.

How to Join the Secret Service

The application process requires you first to decide which division you want to work in. There are five different divisions from which to choose. The Secret Service currently employs Uniformed Division Officers, Special Agents, TSD, PSS and civilian positions. The Secret Service also hires staff on a part and full time basis. Each of the divisions has their own application process and forms to be filled out. Regardless of which division you choose, you need to be aware that there is more than simply filling out a job application to landing a job with the Secret Service.

Other requirements you must satisfy to qualify for an appointment to the Secret Service include passing a polygraph test, passing a physical, passing a background check that goes back to the time you were 16, providing tax returns for your past earnings, being able to obtain a top-secret security clearance and being physically fit.

All of these things can determine if you pass or fail in the application process. Even if you pass each of these steps, it doesn’t mean that you will be hired, but these are the minimum requirements for you to even be considered for the job.

Sending the Application

You can apply for the Secret Service online by completing an application through the USAJOBS site. If you choose to fill out the application by hand, you can download the application from the Secret Service site and send it by mail.

There is one other method of applying for the job with the Secret Service: you can interview with a recruiter at your college or university. Like many government agencies, during the spring semester, the Secret Service will recruit through the placement office of many colleges and universities. Perhaps the best opportunity for consideration of employment is to participate in a Secret Service Internship during your college career. It will give you all the information on how to join the Secret Service and get your foot in the door of the Federal employment system.