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United States Secret Service

From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Seal of the U.S. Secret Service
Flag of the U.S. Secret Service

The United States Secret Service (simply known as Secret Service)[1] is a federal law enforcement agency under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The agency is in charge with handling criminal investigations and protecting political leaders of the United States, their families, and visiting heads of state or government.[2] The agency was under the United States Department of the Treasury until 2003.[3]

President Abraham Lincoln signed the legislation that established the Secret Service just hours before he was assassinated on April 14, 1865.

After the Assassination of President William McKinley in September 1901, U.S. Congress passed a federal law and directed the Secret Service to provide mandatory protection to the president.

Primary missions

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The Secret Service is authorized by 18 U.S.C. § 3056(a) to protect:[4][5]

The Secret Service also provides security for the White House, the Number One Observatory Circle, Treasury Department building and private residences of the president and former presidents.

Other missions

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The Secret Service is tasked with protecting the financial systems of the United States and cyber-based crime such as, counterfeit money, bank and financial fraud, mail fraud, and wire fraud.[6]

References

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  1. "Home | United States Secret Service". www.secretservice.gov. Retrieved 2023-11-22.
  2. "About Us". www.secretservice.gov. Retrieved 2023-11-22.
  3. "Mission Support". www.secretservice.gov. Retrieved 2023-11-22.
  4. "18 U.S. Code § 3056 - Powers, authorities, and duties of United States Secret Service". LII / Legal Information Institute. Retrieved 2023-11-22.
  5. "Protection". www.secretservice.gov. Retrieved 2023-11-22.
  6. "Financial and Cyber Crime Investigations". www.secretservice.gov. Retrieved 2023-11-22.