NATIONAL SPECIAL SECURITY EVENTS
In May of 1998, President Clinton issued Presidential Decision Directive 62 (PDD-62). In effect, this directive formalized
and delineated the roles and responsibilities of federal agencies in the development of security plans for major events. The
clarifying of responsibilities serves to focus more clearly the role of each agency and eliminate the duplication of efforts
and resources.
In 2000, the Presidential Protection Act of 2000 became public law. Included in the bill, signed on December 19, was an
amendment to Title 18, USC § 3056 which codified PDD-62. Now, with the support of federal law, the Secret Service is authorized
to participate "in the planning, coordination and implementation of security operations at special events of national
significance."
When an event is designated by the Secretary of Homeland Security as a National Special Security Event (NSSE),
the Secret Service assumes its mandated role as the lead agency for the design and implementation of the operational security
plan. The Secret Service has developed a core strategy to carry out its security operations, which relies heavily on its
established partnerships with law enforcement and public safety officials at the local, state and federal levels.
The goal of the cooperating agencies is to provide a safe and secure environment for Secret Service protectees, other
dignitaries, the event participants and the general public. There is a tremendous amount of advance planning and coordination
in preparation for these events, particularly in the areas of venue and motorcade route security, communications, credentialing
and training.
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