Founded in 1865 to combat counterfeiters, the Secret Service's responsibilities have since expanded greatly. The agency's best-known duty is to protect the president and other key government figures, but it is also responsible for protecting people, buildings, or areas from potential threats and investigating various forms of financial fraud. The Secret Service takes readers from the agency's inception to its modern form, focusing on organizational and structural changes, technological developments, training, special programs and initiatives, and real-life accounts from the field. Key topics covered include: The beginning of the Secret Service Protecting people and places Investigating counterfeiting and fraud Detecting threats Handling crowds and major events What it takes to join the Secret Service The future of the Secret Service.