There is a strong Secret Service presence in Michigan, with three field offices located throughout the state:
- Detroit: 313-226-6400
- Grand Rapids: 616-454-4671
- Saginaw: 989-497-0580
Although most individuals recognize the Secret Service for their role in protecting the President, Vice President, and visiting world leaders, this federal law enforcement agency is deeply involved in investigations concerning:
- Cyber terrorism
- Internet crimes
- Identity theft
- Counterfeit U.S. currency
Job Requirements for Secret Service Agents in Michigan
General Qualifications – Becoming a Secret Service agent requires dedication, commitment, and a number of qualifications. Candidates for Secret Service agent jobs in Michigan must be at least 21 (but no older than 36); they must be United States citizens; and they must have no felony convictions or misdemeanor domestic violence convictions. They must also have excellent vision and hearing and be in excellent physical health.
Education and Experience Qualifications – Jobs with this federal law enforcement agency also demand specific education and/or experience requirements. Candidates can qualify if they possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GL-5 level.
Candidates without prior experience in law enforcement or in criminal justice can qualify for Secret Service agent jobs in Michigan if they possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, provided they have a history of academic excellence. Individuals who have not maintained a 3.5 GPA in their major courses and a 3.0 GPA in all other courses (or in the last two years of their program) may still qualify through education if they possess at least one year of graduate-level study.
There are many degree programs that are ideal matches for a career in the Secret Service, thereby leaving individuals a number of options when pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Popular degree options include law enforcement administration, criminal justice administration, and information security.
Training Requirements – Individuals who are chosen as candidates for Secret Service agent jobs in Michigan must be prepared to complete the pre-employment and training process, which can be just as difficult as being chosen as a candidate in this federal agency.
All candidates are expected to successfully pass a written exam and a physical skills assessment. Upon doing so, a detailed and exhaustive background investigation is conducted. Finally, after receiving an offer of employment, all new Secret Service agent hires must complete a 7-month training program that includes both basic and specialized training in both the investigative and protective divisions of the agency.
Investigative Missions in Michigan
The investigative mission of the Secret Service in Michigan is quite evident when viewing some of the latest headlines to come out of this state.
On April 8, 2013, a Fenton man was sentenced to more than 13 years for his involvement in a major mortgage fraud that was estimated to be worth millions of dollars. The scheme, which was investigated by both the Secret Service and the FBI, involved more than 450 fraudulent mortgages and dozens of unsuspecting lenders. The sentencing of this individual was just one of 15 individuals brought down by the investigative prowess of the Secret Service agents in Michigan.
The Secret Service was, once again, instrumental in the takedown of a Detroit-based identity theft ring in December 2013. The Secret Service agents of the Grand Rapids, Michigan field office were able to bring to justice eight individuals involved in this scheme.