Legal Definitions - Secret Service

The United States Secret Service is a federal law enforcement agency primarily responsible for two critical missions:

• Protection: Safeguarding the President, Vice President, their immediate families, former Presidents, visiting heads of state, and major national security events.
• Investigations: Combating financial and electronic crimes, including counterfeiting of U.S. currency, financial institutionfraud, computer fraud, and identity theft.

Here are some examples illustrating the role of the Secret Service:

• Example 1: Presidential Motorcade Security

  When the President travels to a public event, you will often see a highly coordinated motorcade with numerous vehicles and agents. Secret Service agents are meticulously planning and executing the security detail, securing routes, venues, and the President's immediate vicinity. This demonstrates their primary protective mission, ensuring the physical safety of the President and other designated individuals from potential threats.

• Example 2: Counterfeit Currency Bust

  Imagine a criminal organization is discovered to be printing and distributing high-quality fake twenty-dollar bills across several states. The Secret Service would lead the investigation into this counterfeiting operation. Agents would work to track the source of the fake currency, identify the individuals involved in its production and distribution, and ultimately dismantle the criminal enterprise. This illustrates their investigative mission focused on protecting the integrity of U.S. currency and preventing financial fraud.

• Example 3: Cyberattack on a Financial Institution

  If a major bank or financial institution suffers a sophisticated cyberattack that compromises customer accounts and attempts to steal significant funds, the Secret Service may be called upon to investigate. Their cyber forensics experts would work to trace the digital footprints of the attackers, identify the methods used, and collaborate with other agencies to apprehend the perpetrators. This showcases their role in combating electronic crimes and protecting the nation's financial infrastructure from digital threats.