Texas is among the states with the most Secret Service field offices. The nine field offices and their telephone numbers are:
- Austin; 512-916-5103
- Dallas; 972-868-3200
- El Paso; 915-532-2144
- Houston; 713-868-2299
- Lubbock; 805-472-7347
- McAllen; 956-994-0151
- San Antonio; 210-308-6220
- Tyler; 903-534-2933
- Waco; 254-741-0576
People are most familiar with the Secret Service as protectors of our nation’s leaders. However, the agency was created in 1865 to combat the problem of counterfeit currency which was seriously harming the U.S. economy. It wasn’t until after the assassination of presidents Lincoln, Garfield and McKinley that the protective mission was added to the duties of the Secret Service in 1901.
Today, Secret Service agents in Texas are responsible for protecting visiting national and foreign heads of state and investigating crimes against the nation’s financial and payment systems.
Educational Requirements for Becoming a Secret Service Agent in Texas
A good education is the most important requirement for a career in the Secret Service. Depending on pay grade level, applicants must have either a bachelor’s or a master’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with superior academic achievement.
Texas has six four-year public university systems with campuses across the state. In addition, the Lone Star State is home to:
- Four independent public universities
- Four large private colleges/universities
- Thirty-seven medium-sized private colleges/universities
- Eight liberal arts colleges/universities
- Wide variety of junior/community colleges
- Nine law schools
Approximately 136 Texas schools have criminal justice programs from which an average of 6,366 students graduate each year.
Other requirements for becoming a Secret Service agent in Texas:
Applicants must have at least one year experience in criminal investigations or law enforcement, which should include experience with actions like arrests, surveillance and organizing evidence for prosecution.
Additional requirements include:
- United States citizenship
- Between ages of 21 and 37
- Valid driver’s license
- Excellent health/physical condition
- Ability to qualify for a top secret security clearance
How to apply for a Secret Service job in Texas:
Detailed information about the hiring process is available on the Secret Service employment website. Call any of the field offices listed above for specific information about job opportunities in Texas.
The US Secret Service Protective and Investigative Missions in Texas
Protective – Texas is the site of both the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Bush Ranch outside the town of Crawford, which contributes to the ongoing presence of the Secret Service in these areas.
The Texas Secret Service is also responsible for the development of security plans for “high security events,” like a Super Bowl game, political party convention or visits by current/former presidents, presidential candidates or foreign dignitaries.
The Dallas Secret Service spent a great deal of time revamping their security plans after the tragic assassination of President Kennedy in their city.
Investigative – The Secret Service is responsible for investigating financial crimes that involve:
- Counterfeit currency or credit cards
- Financial institution fraud
- Computer/telecommunications fraud
- False identification documents
- Access device fraud
- Identity theft
- Money laundering
- Advance fee fraud
Dallas Secret Service agents arrested over two dozen individuals in 2006 during a two-week-long sweep of suspected counterfeiters. Dallas special agent in charge said he hoped the arrests “send a message to would-be counterfeiters that the Secret Service will aggressively investigate and arrest violators.” Counterfeit currency passed or seized in the Dallas district increased to over $1 million by 2005.
Secret Service Task Forces at Work in Texas
Secret Service Electronic Crimes Task Force – The USA Patriot Act of 2001 mandated that the Secret Service establish a network of task forces to fight electronic crimes. Headed by the Secret Service, these task forces bring federal, state and local law enforcement agencies together with prosecutors, private industry and academia in order to best fight against the increase in cyber crimes. Texas is home to two of these task forces, the North Texas Electronic Crimes Task Force, which was created in 2003 as part of the Dallas Secret Service office. and the Houston Electronic Crimes Task Force.
Texas Bankers Electronic Crimes Task Force – In June of 2012, the Texas Banking Department, in cooperation with the Texas Secret Service, established a task force specifically designed to combat corporate account takeovers, a type of identity theft in which cyber thieves steal business bank accounts which allows the criminals to initiate wire transactions. This type of crime has become increasingly prevalent with Texas banks of all sizes and locations.