Legal Definitions - United States Secret Service

The United States Secret Service is a law-enforcement agency that operates under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Its primary responsibility is to provide security for the President, Vice President, certain other government officials, and visiting foreign diplomats. Additionally, the Secret Service is responsible for protecting U.S. currency by enforcing laws related to counterfeiting, forgery, and credit-card fraud.

For example, when the President travels to different parts of the country or abroad, the Secret Service is responsible for ensuring his safety and security. They also investigate cases of counterfeit money and credit-card fraud to protect the economy and financial system of the United States.

The Secret Service was originally part of the Department of the Treasury but was transferred to the Department of Homeland Security in 2003.