Secret Service Scandals: Review, Resolve, Renew

Secret Service Scandals: Review, Resolve, Renew
Members of the Secret Service uniformed and plainclothes divisions on the South Lawn of the White House on March 12, 2015. Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images
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The professionalism of dedicated Secret Service agents since 1865 is deserving of recognition, respect, and appreciation.

It is important to accentuate their service to America by understanding the vision and mission of the agency:

VISION STATEMENT: The vision of the United States Secret Service is to uphold the tradition of excellence in its investigative and protective mission through a dedicated, highly trained, diverse, partner-oriented workforce that employs progressive technology and promotes professionalism.

MISSION STATEMENT: The mission of the Secret Service is to ensure the security of our President, our Vice President, their families, the White House, the Vice President’s Residence, national and visiting world leaders, former Presidents, and events of national significance. The Secret Service also protects the integrity of our currency and investigates crimes against our national financial system committed by criminals around the world and in cyberspace.

Transparency, Accountability, Commitment

But recently, this once-proud agency has been blistered with numerous scandals.

Transparency, accountability, and commitment must be front and center for the agency’s renewal.

America needs the Secret Service and we must appreciate all who proudly honor their commitment to its vision and mission.

The dignity of this renowned agency demands transformation and refusal from all within its ranks to accept deviance, deficiencies, and dysfunction.

The fact is that agents are human beings and like all of us are capable of either meritorious actions or shameful behavior.

But because the Secret Service is responsible for safeguarding lives, property, and critical information—as well as preserving the morale of the nation—mediocrity and distractions from duty can be devastating.

Secret Service agents providing motorcade protection. (Courtesy of U.S. Secret Service)
Secret Service agents providing motorcade protection. Courtesy of U.S. Secret Service
Vincent J. Bove
Vincent J. Bove
Author
Vincent J. Bove, CPP, is a national speaker and author on issues critical to America. Bove is a recipient of the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award for combating crime and violence and is a former confidant of the New York Yankees. His newest book is “Listen to Their Cries.” For more information, see www.vincentbove.com