Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)As a former applicant for the special agent position with the Secret Service, I can say that this book prepared me very well for my initial interview. I knew the history of the agency as well as the "lingo" such as POTUS, FLOTUS and SAC when I went in for the first step. The information on each stage of the applicant process is also spot on if you are interested in trying to become an agent. Holden is not kidding when he says that few people get the chance to become one. I made it to the panel interview and then got notice that I would not continue on in the process. I would add to this book that prior law enforcement and military experience, coupled with a degree in something such as criminal justice, are really what they are looking for. They claim that LE and military isn't required, but I was warned that those two experiences are the most valued. I had a law degree and a criminal justice degree and didn't get in (no prior law enforcement experience though). Overall, the information in this book is excellent if you want to get in the process of becoming either uniformed division or an agent. It is also just a fun read if you have ever wanted to know what it is like to be an agent or how they go about protecting the president. From talking with agents, and from doing countless hours of research online and from other books, I would say this book is very accurate with its information . I would also recommend the Joe Petro book called Standing Next to History if you want en even further look into the protection aspect of the agent position. I have read some reviews knocking the pictures in the Holden book, but I found them to be entertaining and just plain cool to look at (ex. the explosion pictures next to the limos).
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The Secret Service was established after the Civil War by the Treasury Department, originally to protect American currency against counterfeiters. After the assassination of President William McKinley in 1901, Congress directed the Secret Service to protect the President of the United States. Protection remains the primary mission of the United States Secret Service. It takes a special type of individual to be a U.S. Secret Service agent, one willing to "take a bullet" to preserve the ideals on which the United States was founded. To Be a U.S. Secret Service Agent lifts the curtain for a look inside this secretive law enforcement agency, including the highly selective recruiting, the intense training, and the specialized weapons and equipment used to protect current and past Presidents, Vice Presidents, their families, and visiting heads of state.
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