On September 14, 2022, the U.S. Secret Service will celebrate 100 years of the Uniformed Division (UD). In preparation for this significant milestone in the agency’s history, the Secret Service will celebrate various facets of the UD’s specializations, workforce and history over the course of the coming year.
On September 14, 1922, President Warren G. Harding created the White House Police Force as a vital effort to safeguard the White House and the elected officials inside its walls.
At its inception, the White House Police Force was made up of elite candidates from the Metropolitan Police Department and U.S. Park Police and fell under the direct control of the President. By 1930, President Herbert Hoover realized the importance for the White House Police and the U.S. Secret Service to join forces, given the Secret Service’s responsibility to protect the President. Until that time, these two security entities acted independently.
“It’s an honor to serve with the men and women who are a part of the first 100 years of Secret Service Uniformed Division,” said Chief of Uniformed Division, Thomas Sullivan. “These officers take an oath to protect the most important symbol of democracy, and complete that mission without fail every day. To be a part of this community of law enforcement officers has been the privilege of a lifetime.”
Since 1930, the Secret Service has facilitated seamless physical security surrounding the United States’ highest elected officials and the White House. Today, the Uniformed Division has grown to be one of the most robust and respected security forces in the world, with expertise not only in the most effective methods of physical protection, but also in risk assessment and mitigation tactics.
The Secret Service Uniformed Division also operates several special operations teams, including the Emergency Response Team, Explosive Detection Canines, Personal Screening Canine – Open Area Team, Counter Sniper Team, Crime Scene Search Unit, Trek Team, Motorcade Support Unit, Magnetometer Support Team and Patrol Unit.
Learn more about the Secret Service Uniformed Division on our website and follow #UD100 on social media.