The Secret Service, is tasked with protecting
the President, his family, and other key politicians. Julia Pierson Secret Service Director, resigned
earlier today after several security slips. The slips in security under the
direction of Pierson, may have potentially lead to successful attacks on the
President, his family, other politicians. In fact a man had jumped the fence of
the White House with a knife and ran through the White House. After a short
period of time the attacker had been tackled by an off-duty agent. Other slips
in security include allowing a contract bodyguard with a gun to enter the
elevator with the President. Pierson had also failed to accomplish various
basic managerial decisions. Pierson constantly failed to adjust the coverage of
agents due to under staffing. Agents had to be pulled from other duties to be
relocated with expenditures paid in full by the Secret Service.
Former Director Pierson, had desired to make the Secret
Service, “more friendly and inviting.” The Secret Service having a laid back demeanor
is unnecessary as the lives of other individuals are at stake. The Washington
Post’s Carol Leoning, refers to the change in leadership as the, “Secret
Services’ biggest crisis since President Regan’s shooting.” Pierson’s
frequent slips in security will not be missed by those in the Service. A change
in leadership is the first step in reshaping the Secret Service to the agency
it needs to be.
Former Secret Service Agent Joseph Clancy has been
selected to replace Pierson temporarily. The reaction to Clancy taking on the
role of Director temporarily, has been positive. Clancy prior to retiring had
ran President Obama’s security team. It is highly unlikely that Clancy will
make any drastic changes to the Secret Service. Since, the odds of Clancy becoming Director permanently
are low. Under Clancy the Secret Service is expected to be able to perform
without any slips in security. Once a new Director is selected the Secret
Service is expected to make an overhaul in policies and performance.
Expectations for the Secret Service in a post-Pierson era are high.
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