United States Secret Service

The United States Secret Service (USSS) is a federal law enforcement agency under the Department of Homeland Security, established on July 5, 1865. Initially formed to investigate and prevent the widespread counterfeiting of U.S. currency, the mission has evolved to encompass two primary responsibilities: protection and investigation.

Protective Mission

The Secret Service's protective mission is to ensure the safety of the nation's leaders and key facilities. This includes safeguarding the President, Vice President, and their immediate families; former Presidents and their spouses; major presidential and vice-presidential candidates and their spouses; and visiting foreign dignitaries.

The agency also provides security for the White House, the Vice President's residence, and other designated locations. To fulfill this mission, the Secret Service employs advanced countermeasures, conducts thorough threat assessments, and maintains a total protective environment that includes airspace security, counter-surveillance, medical emergency response, and hazardous agent mitigation.

Investigative Mission

In addition to protective duties, the Secret Service investigates crimes threatening the financial infrastructure of the United States. This includes combating financial crimes such as counterfeiting, bank fraud, and cybercrime.

The agency also investigates missing and exploited children and partners with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC).

Locations

The Secret Service operates numerous field offices across the United States to support its protective and investigative missions. While headquarters are located in Washington, D.C., specific office locations are not publicly disclosed for security reasons.

It is known that the Secret Service maintains a presence in major cities nationwide to effectively carry out its responsibilities, including:

• Austin, TX, USA
• Chicago, IL, USA

In summary, the United States Secret Service plays a critical role in safeguarding the nation's leaders and financial systems. Through its dual mission of protection and investigation, the agency contributes significantly to national security and public safety.