Interview with Nick Trotta

VTAM: What is the main responsibility of the US Secret Service?

Nick: The United States Secret Service has a dual mission. It was created in 1865 for investigations of US currency and in 1901, Congress mandated the Agency to protect the US President. Since 1901, the Secret Service protects the President and Vice President, their families, former US presidents and spouses, visiting heads of state, and other designated individuals; and investigates threats against any protected individual. The Secret Service’s police force is known as Uniformed Division (UD). UD officers, all based in Washington, D.C., along with others members of the Secret Service protect the White House, Vice President’s Residence, and all foreign embassies based in Washington, D.C.

VTAM: Have you ever hired or interviewed any former military? If so, what are the qualities that you are looking for in new agents?

Trotta: Yes, I have. All applicants apply to become special agents, police officers, technicians, administrative support, or intelligence or criminal analysts. When applying to the law enforcement side of the Agency (special agents or police officers), the Secret Service is looking for a well-balanced individual. The applicant will go through a series of interviews, and background and polygraph examinations. They look for good character and obviously no law enforcement criminal record. During the interviewing process, how the applicant answers their questions, presents themselves, and can make decisions are all some of the factors that may weigh the outcome. Presentation, appearance, attitude, and demeanor are just a few. Think of what qualities you would look for if you were the deciding person. This is what I share with applicants.

VTAM: What were some of your earlier assignments?

Trotta: When I first applied, I was hired as a UD Officer. After completing about 11 weeks of training both in Glynco, Ga. and Beltsville, Md., and I was assigned to

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