What did you do before starting a career in federal law enforcement?

• I worked in retail, catering and hospitality type positions in the private sector. I have also been active in philanthropic activity since before elementary school.

Was there ever a time when you couldn’t have imagined yourself in law enforcement?

• No. In elementary school I was asked by my third grade teacher what I wanted to do when I was an adult and I stood in front of my class and said I wanted to be an FBI agent. My classmate remembered that at my 30th grade school reunion last month.

What attracted you to your current position?

• I always had an interest in public service, criminal investigations and courtroom dynamics. I have learned to provide quality service. To do it, you must create an environment for employees to develop personally and professionally and provide a system where they can respond to the public in a unified manner with quality, efficiency, and consistency as the end goal.

Do you have a family or interests outside of work and how is your career impacted?

• My greatest sense of achievement outside of work has been volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, House of Ruth and the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. The emotional experience has strengthened my interest in community service. I have taken on mentoring roles within social and professional organizations. In the professional arena, I realized that uncertainty exists between the forensic science taught in academia and the practitioner’s experiences in the field. To help develop future leaders, I have taken a lead in working with universities and encouraging onsite internships to facilitate interaction with investigators and scientists in the laboratory. The objective is to give students an opportunity to experience the nuances that occur within the forensic sciences and crime scene investigation so they can move forward with realistic expectations of a career in this field. Over the years, I have been fortunate to have incredible mentors, in addition to my family, who have imparted words of wisdom regarding consistency, professional outreach, and resource awareness. My goal is to pass on to others what I have learned.

What’s the most rewarding part of your position?

• Supporting employees and student interns in the crime laboratory, communicating and working towards a common objective, and instilling confidence within each person to take pride in the work accomplished. It’s all part of an ongoing effort to achieve the ultimate goal of serving the public with integrity.

Forensics Services Division Positions

The Forensics Services Division (FSD) plans, directs, and coordinates forensic science activities within the Secret Service. Expert examiners in FSD provide analysis for questioned documents, fingerprints, false identification, credit cards, and other related forensic science areas.

All positions in the Forensics Services Division require U.S. citizenship, a top secret clearance and drug testing prior to appointment. Some positions require a polygraph and/or medical examination.

Benefits include: low-cost life insurance and federal health benefit plans; annual leave of 13 to 26 days a year, based on length of employment and prior federal civilian or military; 13 days of sick leave per year; paid holidays; comprehensive retirement benefits through the Federal Employee Retirement System; and participation in the Flexible Spending Account Program.

Application Process: The Secret Service only accepts applications during current vacancy announcement periods.

To learn more and how to apply please visit: www.secretservice.gov/join.

Updated on July 13, 2023

Paula Reid was the Special Agent In Charge of the Protective Intelligence and Assessment Division. She began her career with the Secret Service in 1990 and has since been promoted many times. In 2012, she oversaw a staff that included special agents, analysts, and specialists, all of whom worked on threats or unwarranted interest directed at officials under Secret Service protection. She is affiliated with Women in Federal Law Enforcement (WIFLE) and the International Association of Chiefs of Police. She was the recipient of the Public Service award from WIFLE in 2009.

Paula Reid exposed the misconduct of twelve of her fellow agents during their assignment in Colombia.

We had the opportunity to conduct an exclusive interview with Paula Reid, which is available for viewing below.

Women For Hire

What did you do before starting a career in federal law enforcement?

Paula Reid

I’m from Calvert County, Md., and I received my Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Maryland in 1988. After graduation, I was an equal opportunity specialist at the U.S. Patent and Trade Office. When I was age 25 I attended the annual NAACP Conference and Career Fair where I met with recruiters from several federal law enforcement agencies. I didn’t know much about the Secret Service, but I knew that I wanted to be an investigator. Following the conference I applied to become a special agent.

Women For Hire

Was there ever a time when you couldn’t have imagined yourself in law enforcement?

Paula Reid

I always wanted to be an investigator and although I considered becoming a lawyer, I can’t imagine not being in law enforcement.

Women For Hire

What attracted you to your current position?

Paula Reid

I enjoy white collar investigations – particularly identity and credit card theft and counterfeiting.

Women For Hire

What do you think are the myths about women in law enforcement and what has your experience been?

Paula Reid

Are women capable of providing protection to protectees? Women would not be remotely considered if we couldn’t do it physically – and we can.

Women For Hire

Do you have a family or interests outside of work and how is your career impacted?

Paula Reid

I am very close to my parents and siblings. I wish I had more time to volunteer outside of work.

Women For Hire

What’s the most rewarding part of your position?

Paula Reid

The most gratifying part of my work is imparting to colleagues what I have learned over the years and being able to integrate my experiences to better manage the division. The general public is intrigued to see a black female in my position. They always need to confirm that I really am a special agent. I enjoy being a role model for women and minorities.

End of interview and more information about the interviewee

Paula Reid: An Epitome of Strength and Integrity in the Secret Service

Paula Reid is a decorated Secret Service officer who has consistently demonstrated high levels of professional excellence throughout her career. Known for her stern discipline and an unwavering commitment to maintaining security, Reid’s influence has been far-reaching within the agency.

Paula Reid’s Early Career and Rise through the Ranks

Born and raised in Maryland, Paula Reid joined the Secret Service in 1990. Over two decades, her dedication and leadership abilities became evident as she steadily climbed the ranks, eventually earning the position of the South American Chief of the Secret Service. During her tenure, Reid has served in various important locations, including the White House and Miami.

Paula Reid: A Leading Figure During the Colombian Prostitute Scandal

In 2012, Paula Reid made national headlines for her decisive actions during the Colombian prostitute scandal. As the Secret Service’s South American chief, Reid was tasked with the responsibility of managing a scandal involving eleven of her fellow agents. Her prompt actions, including a thorough investigation and stern disciplinary measures, underscored her commitment to maintaining the integrity of the Secret Service.

Paula Reid’s Influence in the Miami Bureau

Paula Reid’s reputation for exactitude and determination transcends her response to the Colombian scandal. As the head of the Miami Bureau, she supervises over 150 agents operating throughout South America. Known for her rigorous work ethic, Reid was reported to start her workday at 7 a.m. consistently, setting a commendable example for those under her leadership.

Paula Reid’s Advocacy for Equal Opportunity

Paula Reid is more than a steadfast Secret Service officer; she is also an advocate for racial equality. A decade ago, she participated in a class-action lawsuit alleging racial discrimination within the Secret Service. Her willingness to stand against discrimination has played a crucial role in promoting a more inclusive environment within the agency.

The Impact of Paula Reid on the Secret Service

Paula Reid’s distinguished career and unwavering commitment to justice make her an influential figure within the Secret Service. As one of the highest-ranking African-American women in an agency often dominated by white men, she serves as a powerful symbol of progress. Paula Reid’s exceptional career continues to inspire many, making her an invaluable asset to the Secret Service and a role model for future generations.

What did you do before starting a career in federal law enforcement?

• My father had been a drill sergeant and I was the second of seven children and the eldest daughter. I learned early on how to face fear and follow instruction. My father taught me to know that if I wanted to do something, I could do it. I had worked in clerical positions at the State Department, but I was looking for new challenges. I had majored in law enforcement in college and had relocated to the Washington DC area with my husband who was in the military. At the time I applied to the Secret Service I was 29. I saw an advertisement in the newspaper for the Uniformed Division and told myself: “I can do that.” During training I was the second oldest trainee in my 24-member recruit class and one of four females.

Was there ever a time when you couldn’t have imagined yourself in law enforcement?

• No. I always had an interest in joining law enforcement. Before finding the advertisement for the Uniformed Division, I had applied to several police departments in the Washington D.C. metro area.

What attracted you to your current position?

• I view myself as a natural leader but I credit both male and female supervisors for helping me with promotions along the way. They encouraged me and helped me with my studies. I now do the same for the people I supervise. I enjoy having people come to me for my knowledge of the job.

What do you think are the myths about women in law enforcement and what has your experience been?

• I think that all the myths about women in law enforcement are just that: myths. I wouldn’t accept anyone telling me that I did not belong in the Secret Service. I had to prove myself to peers in my early years. But that was then and this is now. I don’t think the old myths apply anymore.

Do you have a family or interests outside of work and how is your career impacted?

• I am married with children. One obstacle I faced early on was adjusting to working shifts; the key is to plan well. I have always gotten the utmost support from my family. When my husband was away on military duty, my colleagues on the job were always there to help me.

What’s the most rewarding part of your position?

• Going home safely at the end of shift — and being sought out for advice or guidance.

Uniformed Division Officer Position Description

Secret Service Uniformed Division officers protect the White House, the Vice President’s residence, the main Treasury Building and Annex, and foreign diplomatic missions and embassies in the Washington, D.C., area. Additionally, Uniformed Division officers travel on presidential, vice presidential, and foreign head of state government missions.

To be considered you must:
• Be a U.S. citizen and between the ages of 21 and less than 40 at the time of appointment
• Have a current valid driver’s license
• Have visual acuity no worse than 20/60 uncorrected, correctable to 20/20 in each eye
• Be in excellent health and physical condition
• Pass the Police Officer Selection Test, in-depth interviews, a top-secret clearance, a pre-employment polygraph examination, drug screening and extensive background investigation.

To qualify at the entry level you must have a high school diploma or equivalent

Benefits:

Federal employees are eligible to participate in the following benefits programs.
• Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB)
• Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI)
• Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP)
• Retirement
• Thrift Savings Plan
• Benevolent Fund
• Federal Holidays
• Annual and Sick Leave
• Federal Flexible Spending Account

Starting salary for the Uniformed Division Officer position is $52,018.

To learn more about the Uniformed Division Officer position and how to apply please visit: www.secretservice.gov/join