To Be a U.S. Secret Service Agent [Paperback]

Henry Holden (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 15, 2006 | Series: To Be A

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Internet Bookwatch, July 2006

“If you want to be a member of the U.S. Secret Service, you must have Henry’s Holden’s To Be a U.S. Secret Service Agent. It provides a blend of history and insights on the secretive law enforcement agency, from how it recruits and trains to the specialized equipment it uses to protect the heads of state. To Be a U.S. Secret Service Agent is the only book to combine a history with coverage of career options and paths. As such, it is a top recommendation.”

About the Author

Henry M. Holden is the author of over 600 magazine articles, 11 adult and 19 children's books. In 1994 he received the "Author's Award" from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, and that same year he was mentioned in the Congressional Record.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Zenith Press; First edition (May 15, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0760322937
• ISBN-13: 978-0760322932
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 8.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #450,066 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very accurate and thorough, December 2, 2008

By 

Regentbulldog - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: To Be a U.S. Secret Service Agent (Paperback)

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).

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I would highly recommend this book, June 19, 2006

By 

David P. Kenat Jr. (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: To Be a U.S. Secret Service Agent (Paperback)

As a U.S. Secret Service UD applicant, I would highly recommend this book. As a former teacher and peace officer, I would recommend this book be in every middle school, high school and university. Mr. Holden has explained,through words and photographs,the application process, the training, and duties of the Secret Service agent, uniform division officer, and other members that comprise the most professional and honorable division of American law enforcement. As an applicant, it helped me learn about the position that I was applying for and helped me articulate my understanding to the agents I interviewed with. The information that I obtained in this book helped me score 97% on the tests and make it to panel. Thank you Mr. Holden for writing this book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great resource, June 7, 2009

By 

Jason (Gadsden, AL) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: To Be a U.S. Secret Service Agent (Paperback)

An informative as well as visual perspective of the USSS. This is not an exhaustive review of the Secret Service but as good as it gets in such a brief volume. Highly recommended for research paper or anyone considering applying to the Secret Service.