Secret Service Uniformed Officer Jobs

The Secret Service Uniformed Division (UD) is responsible for protecting the most senior U.S. government officials and structures, including the White House Complex, the Vice President's home, and the U.S. Treasury. The Secret Service UD also protects foreign embassies in the Washington, DC area.

Job Description: A Day in the Life of a Secret Services Uniformed Officer

The exact duties of a UD may vary depending on specific assignments.

In general, a UD officer will be assigned to a specific building or government area, which he is then required to guard and patrol, often with a team of other UD officers. The White House, foreign embassies in Washington DC, the Vice President's home, and the U.S. Treasury are just a few of the important complexes UD officers patrol and protect. UD officers may also be called upon to help ensure security at special events in federal buildings or where federal employees will be present.

General Requirements and Training

To become a member of the Secret Service UD, candidates must be U.S. citizens at least 21 years of age and no older than 40 at the time of appointment, hold a high school diploma, be in excellent mental and physical health, pass written tests and complete interviews satisfactorily. Candidates must also undergo a complete background check including driving record, drug screening, medical history and polygraph examinations.

Successful UD applicants are required to attend an intensive 12-week training program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia, as well as a 12-week specialized training forum at the Secret Service's training center near Washington, DC. This includes instruction on firearms, physical fitness, police-community relations, psychology, criminal law, first aid, physical defense, search and seizure, diplomatic immunity and international treaties. Additional on-job training is later provided.

Salary, Benefits and Opportunities for Advancement

Job listings for Secret Service UD positions suggest the expected annual salary can range from $50,000 - 91,000 annually, depending on location. In addition to a competitive starting salary, members of the Secret Service UD are given the following benefits: overtime pay, a uniform allowance, low-cost life insurance, federal health benefits, paid holidays, and retirement benefits. Successful job applicants who relocate to join the Secret Service UD are helped with moving expenses.

Once in the Secret Service, it is possible to be promoted not only within the UD division, but also easier to transition to other areas within the Secret Service which may be higher paid, such as the Secret Service Special Agent division.

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