Zero Fail

1. The Secret Service's origins and evolution: From countering counterfeiters to protecting presidents

"The Secret Service methodology is born of blood," said Jonathan Wackrow, a former agent on President Obama's protection detail. "You can only protect for what you know. Every time the Service is tested, it gets better."

From counterfeiters to presidents. The Secret Service was originally created in 1865 to combat counterfeiting, which was rampant after the Civil War. It wasn't until after the assassination of President William McKinley in 1901 that Congress officially tasked the agency with presidential protection.

Evolving responsibilities. Over time, the Secret Service's duties expanded to include:

• Protecting the president, vice president, and their families
• Safeguarding former presidents and visiting foreign dignitaries
• Investigating financial crimes and cyber threats
• Securing major events like inaugurations and State of the Union addresses

As threats evolved, so did the agency's methods, technology, and training. Each tragedy or close call led to new protocols and improvements in protective measures.

2. Assassinations and attempts shape Secret Service protocols and practices

"After viewing the video tapes, we believe the presidential protection was as effective as it could possibly be," spokesman Jack Warner told reporters the next morning. "These guys were competing with a bullet."

Learning from tragedy. The assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963 was a watershed moment for the Secret Service. It led to numerous changes in protective procedures, including:

• Armored presidential limousines
• Enhanced advance work and route planning
• Improved coordination with local law enforcement
• Expanded use of intelligence gathering and threat assessment

Constant adaptation. Subsequent attempts on presidents' lives, such as the shooting of Ronald Reagan in 1981, further refined Secret Service practices:

• Implementation of magnetometers at presidential events
• Increased use of bulletproof barriers and "covered arrivals"
• Enhanced training for agents in emergency response scenarios
• Development of specialized units like the Counter Assault Team (CAT)

These incidents served as painful reminders of the agency's critical mission and the need for constant vigilance and improvement.

3. Presidential personalities and demands challenge Secret Service operations

"If I don't mingle with the people, I couldn't get elected dogcatcher," he told another shift leader.

Balancing security and accessibility. Presidents often chafe at the restrictions imposed by their protective detail. Some examples include:

• John F. Kennedy's insistence on crowd interaction and reluctance to use the bulletproof bubble top on his limousine
• Bill Clinton's frequent impromptu stops and desire for less visible security
• Barack Obama's preference for maintaining a sense of normalcy for his family

Adapting to presidential whims. The Secret Service must tailor its approach to each president's personality and style:

• Developing flexible security plans that accommodate a president's desire for public engagement
• Creating innovative solutions to minimize visible security while maintaining protection
• Building trust and rapport with the First Family to ensure cooperation in high-risk situations

This constant negotiation between security needs and presidential preferences requires diplomacy, creativity, and unwavering commitment to the agency's protective mission.

4. The agency's struggle with systemic racism and discrimination

"The Secret Service could have argued to stay," Bonner said. "It had enough juice to stay in Treasury if it wanted, in my opinion. They thought they would be better off getting out of Treasury, since law enforcement was such an afterthought there."

A history of exclusion. For much of its history, the Secret Service was predominantly white and male. This lack of diversity led to:

• Limited career advancement opportunities for minority agents
• A culture that often tolerated racist jokes and behavior
• Difficulty in relating to and protecting diverse presidents and their families

Efforts at reform. In recent years, the agency has faced increased scrutiny and pressure to address its diversity issues:

• Lawsuits filed by Black agents alleging discrimination in promotions and assignments
• Implementation of diversity training programs and recruitment initiatives
• Appointment of more diverse leadership, including the first Black director in 2023

Despite these efforts, the agency continues to grapple with the legacy of its past and the ongoing challenge of creating a truly inclusive culture.

5. Technological advancements and security measures in the face of evolving threats

"There is a line of demarcation in the Service: before and after 9/11," said former presidential detail agent Jonathan Wackrow. Before 9/11, "we talked about an attack like Squeaky Fromme. No one ever thought of the option of this type of attack, including the military. The military considered a nuclear attack. The Secret Service worried, what if the president is shot at? But this type of attack was completely unknown."

Adapting to new threats. The Secret Service has had to continually evolve its technology and tactics to address emerging dangers:

• Development of advanced surveillance and detection systems
• Implementation of cyber security measures to protect against digital threats
• Use of social media monitoring to identify potential risks
• Deployment of counter-drone technology at protected sites

Balancing technology and human intelligence. While embracing new tools, the agency recognizes the importance of traditional skills:

• Maintaining a focus on behavioral observation and threat assessment
• Cultivating human intelligence sources and informants
• Emphasizing physical fitness and tactical training for agents
• Fostering interagency cooperation and information sharing

The challenge lies in effectively integrating cutting-edge technology with time-tested protective methods to create a comprehensive security apparatus.

6. Political interference and ethical dilemmas in Secret Service operations

"I want one who's our boy," Nixon said. "I'm not going to screw around on that score."

Presidential influence. Throughout its history, the Secret Service has faced pressure from presidents and their staff to:

• Provide political intelligence or engage in surveillance of opponents
• Cover up potentially embarrassing or illegal activities
• Relax security protocols for political gain or personal convenience

Maintaining integrity. Agents often find themselves in ethically challenging situations:

• Balancing loyalty to the office of the presidency with legal and moral obligations
• Resisting attempts to use the agency for partisan purposes
• Deciding when to report or intervene in potentially dangerous or illegal behavior

These dilemmas highlight the complex role of the Secret Service in American democracy and the importance of maintaining professional independence and ethical standards.

7. 9/11's impact on Secret Service protocols and presidential protection

"We scrambled on 9/11," said one former agent. "We had no plan for that kind of attack. It exposed all our weaknesses."

A paradigm shift in security thinking. The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks fundamentally changed the Secret Service's approach to protection:

• Expanded focus on potential airborne threats and unconventional attack methods
• Enhanced coordination with military and intelligence agencies
• Development of more comprehensive evacuation and continuity of government plans
• Increased emphasis on securing large-scale events and potential terrorist targets

Operational changes. In the wake of 9/11, the Secret Service implemented numerous new procedures:

• Creation of a "bubble" of restricted airspace around the White House and other key sites
• Improved screening and background check processes for staff and visitors
• Enhanced training for agents in counter-terrorism tactics and WMD response
• Deployment of more advanced detection and communication technologies

These changes reflected a new reality in which the agency had to prepare for a wider range of potential threats beyond traditional assassination attempts.

8. The rise of domestic terrorism and its implications for presidential security

"I'm not going to have to worry about him, because somebody else down south is going to take him out," said Loy. "If that man is elected president, he'll be shot sure as hell."

A growing threat. The Secret Service has had to increasingly focus on domestic extremism and homegrown terrorism:

• Monitoring of white supremacist and anti-government groups
• Increased attention to lone wolf actors radicalized online
• Development of strategies to counter improvised explosive devices and vehicle attacks
• Enhanced cooperation with local law enforcement to identify regional threats

Challenges in prevention. Domestic terrorism poses unique difficulties for the Secret Service:

• Balancing civil liberties with security needs in surveillance and intelligence gathering
• Addressing the role of social media in radicalization and threat amplification
• Navigating the political sensitivities surrounding domestic extremism
• Developing strategies to protect public events while maintaining openness

The agency must continually adapt its methods to address this evolving threat landscape while upholding democratic values and constitutional protections.

9. Balancing public accessibility with presidential safety in the modern era

"Are you telling me the president of the United States can't walk down Pennsylvania Avenue?" Deaver asked. "Are you telling me he's not safe to even walk down a city street?"

The accessibility dilemma. Presidents and their staff often push for more public interaction, while the Secret Service prioritizes security:

• Debates over rope line interactions and impromptu stops
• Negotiations regarding the use of visible security measures at public events
• Discussions about the president's ability to engage in "normal" activities

Innovative solutions. The Secret Service has developed creative approaches to balance these competing needs:

• Use of bulletproof glass and other protective barriers that preserve sight lines
• Implementation of advanced screening technologies that reduce visible security presence
• Development of more discreet protective equipment for agents
• Creation of secure spaces within public venues to allow for controlled interactions

The ongoing challenge is to provide maximum protection while preserving the symbolism and tradition of an accessible American presidency.

Last updated: January 23, 2025