As we’ve detailed a lot on this website, there is a lot that goes into security work. Be it as a door supervisor, bodyguard, or even a CCTV operator, a lot of planning, risk assessment and training has to come before any actual security can take place. This is true if you work at a small nightclub or if you are the head of security for a VIP.
But what if your VIP is the VIP. It takes a lot of planning to successfully execute any security detail, but what if you are one of the select few tasked with protecting the world’s most powerful man – the President of the United States of America?
It goes without saying that it is something of a monumental undertaking. Now obviously, details of exactly what the Secret Service, the elite guards of presidents and other political dignitaries, do to protect the president are classified. But some ex-personnel have shed some light on some of the precautions taken to protect the Commander in Chief, be he at home, abroad, or even on holiday!
The Secret Service
Initially established in the late 1800s to combat counterfeiting, the Secret Service took over Presidential security in 1901, following the assassination of President William McKinley. Since then, they have expanded their security responsibilities to other VIPs, such as Vice-Presidents, visiting foreign politicians, and religious figures such as the Pope. Currently, it encompasses 3,200 special agents, 1,300 officers, and 2,000 technical operatives.
Their job is to provide maximum security for the President at all time. When it’s internal, things don’t tend to be that tricky. The Secret Service are on home soil, so they know all the rules, and have all the intelligence. Things get trickier when moving abroad. According to an former member, interviewed by the Daily Beast, foreign visits were preceded by secret service teams flying out to plan logistics. Hotels, garages, routes etc. are all mapped out in conjunction with local security forces weeks in advance, to ensure everything runs smoothly. Every possible scenario is discussed and prepared for. Wherever they go, they are equipped with semi-automatic SIG Sauer P229 handguns.
The White House
Considering it’s reputation as the world’s most secure residence, it’s no surprise that details on it’s security detail are slim to none. For good reason – half the reason the security is so successful is that any would-be assailant has no real clue what they are up against. But it is taken for granted that it is patrolled 24/7 by guards and attack dogs, with underground sensors and anti-aircraft weaponry ready to go should needs be. If you are lucky enough to be invited to the White House, you’ll have your background checked, be vigorously searched upon entry and exit, kept to certain areas of the house, and watched by a network of cameras every second you are there.
Presidential Vehicles
I’m sure you have all heard of Air Force One, the presidential aircraft. It is essentially an airborne White House, looking more like an office than a plane, and is always guarded by military jets. But did you know there is now a Ground Force One? That is the unofficial name of the heavily modified and armoured bus Obama uses when touring the US on the roads. If the bus is too cumbersome, there is the Presidential limo, known affectionately as “The Beast”. Whichever is used, it rolls alongside a motorcade than can be 30 cars strong, including local police units, an ambulance, and a communications truck.
Away from the office
In short – the security never stops. Even when the president decides it is time to go on holiday, his Secret Service follows. When Obama visits his holiday home in Hawaii, the security around him remains impressive. The entire street upon which the property sits is cleared out, and the house has been modified with upgraded security, including bullet proof glass. The bay near his home is police by the coast guard, and entering the no-go zone could land you with 10 years in jail! To top it off, the entire island of Oahu is placed under a restricted fly zone, with a 10 mile perimeter around Obama is a complete no-fly zone. Flying in to that will get you an escort to the nearest airport by two F-16 fighter jets you didn’t even know where around.
We should also point out that the protection doesn’t end when the president leaves office. In fact, all ex-presidents are entitled to lifetime Secret Service protection. Jimmy Carter has been out of office for 34 years, but is still being guarded around the clock until this day!
Image Credits
Barack Obama – http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8d/President_Barack_Obama.jpg
Secret Service – http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/68/US_Secret_Service_Agent.jpg
White House – http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/af/WhiteHouseSouthFacade.JPG
Motorcade – http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/09/President_George_W._Bush’s_motorcade.jpg
F-16 – http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/63/F-16Cs_California_ANG_over_SanFran_2004.jpg