Does Secret Service have powers allowing them to violate civil liberties of citizens? ?

Question

I am asking if plain-clothed Secret Service agents working as part of a protective security detail have the right to do things such as search and seizure, detentions, and so on that are not available to regular law enforcement in accordance with the US Constitution?

If so, what legal documents give them these rights?

Answer 1

Its called the patriot act.  

Answer 2

"    *  What legal authority and powers do Secret Service agents have?

      Under Title 18, Section 3056, of the United States Code, agents and officers of the United States Secret Service can:

          o Carry firearms

          o Execute warrants issued under the laws of the United States

          o Make arrests without warrants for any offense against the United States committed in their presence, or for any felony recognizable under the laws of the United States if they have reasonable grounds to believe that the person to be arrested has committed such felony

          o Offer and pay rewards for services and information leading to the apprehension of persons involved in the violation of the law that the Secret Service is authorized to enforce

          o Investigate fraud in connection with identification documents, fraudulent commerce, fictitious instruments and foreign securities and

          o Perform other functions and duties authorized by law

      The Secret Service works closely with the United States Attorney's Office in both protective and investigative matters.

"

Answer 3

No.  But under the authority cited above and the doctrine enumerated in Terry v. Ohio, 392 U.S. 1 (1968) if an agent has a reasonable suspicion that a person is about to commit a crime, such as threatening the life of the President, they can search him and detain him while they investigate.

Did I hear you mutter under your breath that you were going to kill him?  Was that a furtive movement?  Did you have a fixed drugged out stare?  Did you avert my gaze?   Don't you look like a guy I saw on a wanted poster?

Articulating reasonable suspicion is not difficult and in today's climate, nobody but his immediate supervisor is ever going to question an agents instincts.

Answer 4

This is Saturday...... cut out the c**p you three..... or I will report you to your section chief !

Answer 5

If the SS comes alooking for, they will find you, and they have reason, you can bet your civil liberties will vanish.