Post Description

The Secret Service was created to safeguard the United States Currency. It also protects the President and other officials. Nat Geo looks inside the agency. 

Before 9/11 the Secret Service was under the umbrella of the Department of the Treasury. It has since been moved to the Department of Homeland Security. When it was created in 1865 its official business was to catch and stop counterfeiters. In 1913 the agency broadened its duties to protect the President of the United States. In 1917 the president’s family was placed under the care of the Secret Service. Through the years those under the protection of the Secret Service widened, yet the main duty of the Service was to protect the currency. In 2002 it was placed under the newly formed Department of Homeland Security.

Undercover Miami and United Nations Lockdown

In the final two episodes of this two-night event viewers see more about how the Secret Service works in Miami as the agents go after a ring of criminals who use counterfeit money to purchase expensive items then return them for real money. And in New York the Secret Service is responsible for keeping the visiting heads of state attending the United Nations safe while in this country. With eyes in the skies, on the ground, and everywhere in between, the agents go into overdrive as they must maintain security for 131 visiting heads of state.

Whether they are hunting down funny money and the machines used to make it, credit card fraud, identity theft, or securing the safety of the President of the United States or other heads of state, the Secret Service is at the heart of the protection of the country.

The two-night event of Secret Service Files premiers Sunday, February 20, 2011 with Battlefront Colombia and Frontline New York City. Premiering Monday, February 21, 2011 are Undercover Miami and United Nations Lockdown.