Become a Secret Service Agent, an Elite Profession in Protection
The Department of Homeland Security, which came into effect in 2001, is in charge of many divisions, and the secret service is one of them. Although usually associated with protecting the president, a secret service agent actually has multiple roles they need to perform, all in the name of the country's security.
Being the elite of law enforcement though, getting into the secret service is highly competitive compared to other careers in criminal justice, despite the projected increase of about 11% in jobs. Also, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the pay scale is the same as all federal positions, and works based on your education and experience, so most new recruits are hired at a GS-5 or GS-7 level, but moving up to obtain a GS-9 or even GS-13 level is possible in your career, which translates to about $27,000 at the GS-5 level and about $70,000 at the GS-13 level.
For this reason, it's very important to get all the required education and then some, since it will directly effect your success and profitability. Education
To get into the secret service is quite demanding, so extensive education and experience is required. A 4 year bachelor's degree is mandatory, and although any subject is acceptable, getting a law enforcement degree or criminal justice degree is most appropriate. Try going online for easier options at distance programs like Capella University or Kaplan University.
On top of that, you will also need at least 3 years of relevant professional work experience, like in law enforcement or investigation. Then finally, you need to pass a myriad of exams: physical, mental, psychological and written to be considered. If you pass everything, you will be sent to a law enforcement training center for 11 weeks, and then an additional 11 weeks at the James J. Rowley Training Center. Job Description
Being a secret service agent does mean being responsible for the safety of the president and first family and the vice president, but they also have to provide protection for previous presidents, different foreign ministers and even potential presidential candidates as well. Also, since the secret service used to be under the direction of the US treasury, agents still maintain the role of being in charge of any counterfeiting of US bonds, notes or bills.
They may also be called in to assist local police departments investigate cases of fraud, identity theft or any other significant crime, so a secret service agent does have many duties that can take him to many places. They are considered the highest level of security, so if a secret service agent is your dream job, you need to ensure absolute dedication to your goal.
