Page:Professionalism within the Workforce.pdf/16

IV. New Guidance for the Procedures and Conduct of Employees When Engaged in Overseas Operations and Protective Missions

On April 27, 2012, the Secret Service enhanced its existing Code of Conduct and implemented new policies relative to foreign travel. These policy enhancements included: (1) making clear that all laws of the United States shall apply to Secret Service personnel while abroad; (2) making clear that patronization of nonreputable establishments is prohibited; (3) restricting the consumption of alcohol; and (4) prohibiting foreign nationals from all Secret Service personnel hotel rooms. To enhance oversight of employees while on foreign travel, the Secret Service now requires that car planes be staffed by senior supervisors who are responsible for briefing employees on standards of conduct prior to a trip departure, as well as enforcing those standards while in a foreign country. In addition, all personnel are required to complete online ethics training in order to be eligible for foreign travel.

In addition, the Secret Service's Human Resources and Training Manual section addressing special security clearance requirements and reporting was updated in 2012 and again in 2014. The policy updates explain that, if an employee fails to report for a scheduled assignment, the supervisor is authorized to verify the employee's whereabouts via telephone, electronic devices, or responding to the employee's residence. Additionally, more detailed definitions and examples of activities and conduct that are reportable to the Security Clearance Division (SCD) are included. The term "foreign contact" is clarified and contemporary examples of reportable contact (e.g., Internet, email, chat rooms, Facebook and other social networking sites, gaming sites, webcams, etc.) are listed. Examples of foreign influence/close personal association with foreign nationals are also provided.

Prior to April 2012, the SCD Counterintelligence Branch (SCD CIB) provided counterintelligence and defensive travel briefings to car planes travelling to high counterintelligence threat countries as defined by the Department of State. Subsequent to April 2012, counterintelligence and defensive travel briefings are provided by SCD CIB to all Secret Service employees travelling on car planes in support of the President, First Lady, and the Vice President. These briefings are conducted at Joint Base Andrews prior to departure. All Secret Service employees must sign an attendance sheet to confirm receipt of the briefing. In addition, a General Schedule (GS)-15 Special Agent and/or a GS-14 Special Agent are assigned as a Jump Team Leader (JTL) and Alternate Jump Team Leader (AJTL) for these trips. These JTLs/AJTLs arrive at headquarters 1 day prior to the trip and receive briefings on ethics, travel issues, and other relevant topics. Subsequently, they relay this information to all Secret Service personnel assigned to the