Examining On-Going Challenges at the U.S. Secret Service and Their Government-Wide Implications

In September of 2015, the DHS Office of Inspector General, the OIG, released a report on its 4-month-long investigation into improper access and distribution of information within the Secret Service. Wide-spread violations of the Privacy Act and an agency policy occurred by Secret Service employees who accessed and distributed information on a Member of Congress' past employment application and senior management did nothing immediately to stop it. Inspector General John Roth stated that the episode was deeply disturbing. In addition, Director Clancy announced he had a different account of what he initially told OIG. As disturbing as this incident is, it is only one example of other instances where Secret Service employees showed very poor judgment and leadership failed to act. Earlier this year, senior agents who may have been under the influence of alcohol compromised an area at the White House being investigated for a suspicious package. Director Clancy was, again, not immediately informed. Because of the Service's recent failures, DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson convened a panel of experts late last year to recommend changes to improve the service. The panel made broad recommendations in December 2014 related to training and personnel, perimeter security, technology and operation, and leadership.