Agent count of Secret Service snipers falls short by 73% of the necessary number
The Secret Service is grappling with a chronic understaffing issue within its counter sniper team, a problem that has worsened since 2022. According to a report by the Homeland Security Department inspector general, the agency currently has 73% fewer counter snipers on staff than operationally required.
This shortage has been evident in the surge of events requiring snipers. The number of events demanding snipers increased by 150% from 2020 to 2024, while the number of snipers on staff only increased by 5%. The Secret Service served 344 protectees and provided security at over 5,000 events in fiscal 2024.
In an attempt to address this issue, the Secret Service updated its staffing model and tweaked some hiring processes in 2024. However, these changes have done little to resolve the situation. The new process yielded only five candidates who would become snipers after serving in the agency for 18 months.
The understaffing issue has led to some counter snipers staffing events without attending requalification sessions. In 2024, 11% of counter snipers who staffed events did so without attending requalification sessions.
In response to these findings, the Secret Service has agreed to boost its oversight of requalification compliance and develop a hiring plan to fill its needs. The agency will also reassess whether the 18-month service period is necessary for joining the counter sniper team.
To address the staffing shortage, the Secret Service has strengthened its hiring efforts and added recruitment and retention bonuses after the assassination attempt on former President Trump last year. The agency will also explore recruiting from ex-military and other law enforcement agencies for the counter sniper team.
Notably, the Secret Service typically only recruits internally for snipers, but in 2024, it allowed for new candidates to apply directly to the roles. The agency has also relied on snipers from other DHS components and overtime to fill the gaps, but does not have a plan to correct the problem permanently.
The Secret Service did not disclose the total number of counter snipers it currently has or the number it requires in the IG's report. However, the report noted that the Secret Service plans to add counter snipers to its staff in fiscal 2026.
Failure to ensure appropriate staffing and training for counter snipers could result in injuries to or the assassination of senior leaders. The Secret Service agrees that addressing this issue is of utmost importance and will continue to work towards resolving the understaffing issue within its counter sniper team.
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