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Many citizens, young and old, write to the President
to ask him questions about the Secret Service. Here are a few of the most frequently
asked questions about this unique agency within our federal government.
Why do the agents look as if they're talking into their
sleeves?
The Secret Service has its own unique communications
system. To protect the President, all of the agents on duty must know where
the President is at all times. Each agent has an earpiece that allows him or
her to hear other Secret Service personnel and to receive directions from a
special command center. Much like an air traffic controller who is helping pilots
land airplanes, agents at the command center are able to alert agents to information
they need. Connected to the special earpiece is a small microphone that rests
just inside the agent's sleeve, allowing him or her to easily communicate simply
by speaking into the microphone next to the agent's wrist.
Before entering the White
House grounds, cars and packages must be inspected by K-9 teams such as Officer
William Hernandez and his dog Rex.
Why do some agents have dogs with them?
In the 1970s, the Secret Service created the K-9 division,
which paired specially trained dogs with handlers, or K-9 Technicians. These
special dogs have been trained to detect drugs, explosives, and firearms. Although
German Shepherds were first used, the Secret Service now uses only Belgian Malinois
dogs from Holland. Known for their adaptability to new climates and environments
and their work drive, these dogs are exceptional members of the Secret Service.
They generally work 7-11 years in the Secret Service and grow to an average
75 pounds. At night, after a busy day's work, they go home with their handlers,
where they are a part of the family.
Why do some agents wear suits and others wear uniforms?
Special agents, the ones you usually see with the President,
do not wear uniforms. This helps the agents blend in with crowds so that they
are not easily detectable. Those who are in the Uniformed Division wear uniforms
because their jobs require them to be recognized as police officers. Many of
these officers are posted at different areas around the White House, in front
of embassies, and at the Vice President's residence.
I like to ride my bike a lot. I've seen officers outside
the White House on bikes. What do they do?
The Bike Patrol plays a unique role within the Secret
Service. By using bicycles, officers can easily chase a suspicious individual
who is walking near the White House, and patrol the very large White House compound
-- which comprises not only the White House itself, but the areas immediately
surrounding it -- much faster than on foot.
The Bike Patrol helps keep the streets surrounding
the White House secure.
I went on a White House tour with my class. We all had
to go through metal detectors before we could go inside. Why?
Everyone who comes through the White House must pass
through a metal detector, or magnetometer. This special machine alerts the Secret
Service to any potential weapons that are being brought into the complex. Going
through a magnetometer not only protects the First Family and the White House,
but also protects tourists and other White House visitors from anyone who might
be trying to cause harm.
Do Socks and Buddy have their own Secret Service agents?
While the Secret Service is responsible for protecting
the White House and its inhabitants, Socks and Buddy do not have their own agents.
In fact, Socks is delighted when he can slip into an open closet or onto a windowsill
to take a quick nap, without an agent alerting Buddy to know where to find him!
Special Agent Lisa Risley
How can I become a Secret Service agent?
The Secret Service is always interested in qualified
applicants. Requirements for each position within the agency vary. If you would
like information on becoming an agent or an officer, you may write to the Secret
Service at the following address:
United States Secret Service
Personnel Division
1800 G Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20223
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