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