The United States Secret Service has a strong presence in Delaware, working in both a protective and investigative capacity. A common operation since the beginning of the Obama Administration has been the protection of Vice President, Joe Biden who has a vacation home near Wilmington. Any time the Vice President travels to Delaware, the Secret Service is out in full force providing protective services.
The agents of this federal agency are also responsible for investigating incidences involving counterfeit currency.
In September 2013, two employees of Delaware Park were arrested for their involvement in a counterfeit cash scheme at the park. They were charged with knowingly exchanging counterfeit bills.
Then, in March 2013, the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio announced the indictment of a Delaware man who was charged with passing and possessing counterfeit currency. In January 2012, a Rehoboth Beach woman was arrested for possessing counterfeit money.
The Secret Service has field offices throughout the United States, including Wilmington (302-573-6188).
How to Become a Secret Service Agent in Delaware
Meeting Basic Requirements – Individuals interested in Secret Service careers in Delaware must meet a number of minimum requirements for employment, including:
- United States citizens
- Valid and current driver’s license
- At least 21 years old, but no older than 36 years old
Meeting Experience and Education Requirements – Candidates for Secret Service careers in Delaware may qualify through: at least one year of GL-5 specialized experience in investigations, surveillance or undercover work; a bachelor’s degree; at least one year of graduate education; or a combination of education and experience. Candidates who qualify through a bachelor’s degree must be able to show proof that they:
- Earned a minimum 3.5 GPA in courses related to their major
- Earned a minimum 3.0 GPA in all other courses within the last two years
- Graduated in the top third of their graduating class
- Were a member of a recognized national scholastic honor society
It is common for individuals to pursue a four-year bachelor’s degree when working toward Secret Service agent jobs. A bachelor’s degree in everything from criminal justice and homeland security, to linguistics and computer science is adequate to prepare students with a foundation in principles, theories, and real-world applications that focus on policing, procedures, communications, diversity, policy, ethics, communications, and law.
The various specialized areas of criminal justice (homeland security, crime scene investigations, forensics, emergency management, police science, etc.) offer courses relevant to work as a secret service agent:
- Theory and practices of law enforcement
- Police and community relations
- Criminal evidence and legal issues
- Criminal law
- Criminal investigation
- Judicial process
- Constitutional law for criminal justice
- Criminal justice organization and administration
- Procedures in the justice system
- Criminal justice current topics
New Secret Service agents in Delaware may be appointed to any duty station in the country. Throughout the course of their career, they may also be stationed at Secret Service offices around the world. Extensive travel, long hours, and undercover work are all expected conditions of employment for Secret Service agents.
Hiring Process and In-Service Training Requirements
Pre-hire Qualifications and Testing – Individuals chosen as candidates for Secret Service jobs must complete a number of pre-employment tests and assessments, including a written examination, a physical assessment, a thorough medical exam, and a polygraph examination, among others. They must also complete a structured panel interview and undergo a drug screening (urinalysis).
Federal Law Enforcement Training – But the work doesn’t end there. Upon being hired, new agents must complete a course of training that involves 11 weeks at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Georgia, followed by another 16 weeks at the James J. Rowley Training Center in Washington D.C.
Ongoing Training – Further, all special agents with the Secret Service must undergo continuous, advanced training throughout their careers, which includes firearms requalification and emergency medical courses. Special agents who are assigned in protective capacities must also complete simulated crisis training that challenges their ability to protect individuals through mock scenarios.