Former US Pres. Security Detail

talktidy · Jul 29, 2017

I should be working on my WIP novel, but a few ideas for a shorter piece have grabbed me and won't let go, until I get at least a rough draft down on paper.

May I therefore ask for some assistance from members, who might know about US Secret Service protocols.

I have in mind that a former president wants to make a quiet, unannounced, stop at an exclusive shop selling antiques. USSS case the joint and it is mostly occupied by elderly types. The one exception is an off duty FBI agent. FBI guy is armed. FBI agent is known to one of the president's detail, who can vouch for him. Can anyone answer the following, please?

Would the president's detail let their charge enter the antique shop under these circumstances, or would they be inclined to drive him around the block a couple of times, until the FBI agent and his firearm have cleared out?

Would they be more inclined to ask FBI guy if he would mind taking a hike?

Would they ask FBI guy to surrender his weapon?

Al X. · Jul 29, 2017

The Secret Service and the FBI are on the same team. If they knew him to be off duty and armed, they might want to verify his credentials, and if they felt uncomfortable at any point in time they might move on, but in no circumstance would they ask a Federal law enforcement officer or military personnel under orders to surrender their weapons, nor would the former or the latter be willing to do so if asked.

cornflake · Jul 29, 2017

talktidy said:
I should be working on my WIP novel, but a few ideas for a shorter piece have grabbed me and won't let go, until I get at least a rough draft down on paper.

May I therefore ask for some assistance from members, who might know about US Secret Service protocols.

I have in mind that a former president wants to make a quiet, unannounced, stop at an exclusive shop selling antiques. USSS case the joint and it is mostly occupied by elderly types. The one exception is an off duty FBI agent. FBI guy is armed. FBI agent is known to one of the president's detail, who can vouch for him. Can anyone answer the following, please?

Would the president's detail let their charge enter the antique shop under these circumstances, or would they be inclined to drive him around the block a couple of times, until the FBI agent and his firearm have cleared out?

Would they be more inclined to ask FBI guy if he would mind taking a hike?

Would they ask FBI guy to surrender his weapon?

Why would they care if a known FBI agent is there? He's an FBI agent. That's a good thing.

talktidy · Jul 29, 2017

cornflake said:
Why would they care if a known FBI agent is there? He's an FBI agent. That's a good thing.

Well, I agree an FBI guy should be a good thing, and looking at it logically they are both part of the same team, but I wonder if the secret service people would be territorial, even paranoid, of someone not expressly part of their organisation. A someone who is armed.

cornflake · Jul 29, 2017

talktidy said:
Well, I agree an FBI guy should be a good thing, and looking at it logically they are both part of the same team, but I wonder if the secret service people would be territorial, even paranoid, of someone not expressly part of their organisation.

If they're conducting an investigation, maybe. If they're walking down the street and see someone? No. Also, they have no power to tell an agent to give up his weapon, that he's required to be carrying -- that's fucked up and he'd likely report them.

ironmikezero · Jul 29, 2017

Without going into specifics, the known/recognized FBI Special Agent would be approached by the advance team (identities confirmed via credentials) and so advised of a protection detail's imminent arrival. Generally speaking, the lone off-duty agent would defer to the detail's need to secure the room/area and remove himself to the outer perimeter. It's more than just professional courtesy; it's pragmatic and efficient.

WeaselFire · Jul 29, 2017

Does the president have Secret Service coverage? It's not mandatory and several ex-presidents have dismissed their Secret Service details in favor of private security.

Otherwise, FBI is not an issue.

Jeff

Al X. · Jul 29, 2017

WeaselFire said:
Does the president have Secret Service coverage? It's not mandatory and several ex-presidents have dismissed their Secret Service details in favor of private security.

Otherwise, FBI is not an issue.

Jeff

Mmm.... yes it is.

https://www.secretservice.gov/protection/

frimble3 · Jul 29, 2017

I would think the Secret Service would want to have a word with the FBI agent, to make sure that he is off-duty, and not doing something undercover in the antiques shop, and maybe ask if the place is okay. Pretty sure the President would prefer not to buy something from a shop that's involved in drug smuggling, money laundering, etc.

Al X. · Jul 29, 2017

Why is SS/FBI protocol important in your scenario?

1. SS staff knows FBI agent is there.

2. Why does SS staff know the FBI agent is there? Personal friendship? Department outreach?

3. What is the consequence of the FBI agent being in that store?

It sounds like this whole thing is pivotal in your scene. I think we need a little more information.

cornflake · Jul 29, 2017

Al X. said:
Mmm.... yes it is.

https://www.secretservice.gov/protection/

No, it's not. He's correct in that it's refusable.

Al X. · Jul 30, 2017

cornflake said:
No, it's not. He's correct in that it's refusable.

Then take it up with the Secret Service department. According to them, it is mandatory for the President and Vice President.

Who does the Secret Service Protect?

Permanent protectees, such as the President and Vice President, have special agents permanently assigned to them. Temporary protectees, such as presidential and vice presidential candidates/nominees and foreign heads of state, are staffed with special agents on temporary assignment from U.S. Secret Service field offices. Protection for the President and Vice President of the United States is mandatory. All other individuals entitled to Secret Service protection may decline security if they choose.

Title 18 of the United States Code, Section 3056, describes the agency’s authority as provided by law. Since the U.S. Secret Service’s protective mission began in 1901, the agency’s jurisdiction has expanded to meet the needs of an evolving security environment.

cornflake · Jul 30, 2017

Al X. said:
Then take it up with the Secret Service department. According to them, it is mandatory for the President and Vice President.

Who does the Secret Service Protect?

Permanent protectees, such as the President and Vice President, have special agents permanently assigned to them. Temporary protectees, such as presidential and vice presidential candidates/nominees and foreign heads of state, are staffed with special agents on temporary assignment from U.S. Secret Service field offices. Protection for the President and Vice President of the United States is mandatory. All other individuals entitled to Secret Service protection may decline security if they choose.

Title 18 of the United States Code, Section 3056, describes the agency’s authority as provided by law. Since the U.S. Secret Service’s protective mission began in 1901, the agency’s jurisdiction has expanded to meet the needs of an evolving security environment.

No kidding, but no one is talking about them.

Al X. · Jul 30, 2017

cornflake said:
No kidding, but no one is talking about them.

I answered the question as worded, although re-reading the OP's post, I see that the context was in fact a former president. You win.

Former US Pres. Security Detail

talktidy

Al X.

cornflake

practical experience, FTW

talktidy

cornflake

practical experience, FTW

ironmikezero

practical experience, FTW

WeaselFire

Benefactor Member

Al X.

frimble3

Heckuva good sport

Al X.

cornflake

practical experience, FTW

Al X.

cornflake

practical experience, FTW

Al X.