[Fly320s]

I'm doing my yearly recurrent training for my airline and one of today's subjects was airline security. Eventually, we got to the topic of who is authorized to carry firearms on aircraft. Our instructor, who is retired from the NYPD, mentioned that Senators Schumer and Clinton have full-time protective details from the NY State Police. Of course, Hillary, being a former First Lady, also has a Secret Service detail so I'm not sure which group protects her.

Anyway, the instructor went on to mention that Schumer doesn't want the detail but he doesn't have a choice.

Anyone know the full story? Does Chuckie really feel that way? Does he really have no choice?

What about other former presidents and government officials? Does ole Jimmy Carter still have his detail?

BTW, we were also told that the head of the TSA (or was it the TSA security division?) also has a protective detail.

[EOD Guy]

Former presidents and their families are not required to maintain Secret Service protection, although most do so. The only one I can think of that didn't and paid for his own security was Nixon.

[dshimm]

I believe that until a recent law was passed, all current and former First Family members get lifetime Secret Service protection paid for by the taxpayer. I'm not sure who is included besides president and spouse - are the taxpayers looking at another 50 years of secret service escort for Chelsea? The law was changed so that the Clintoon's will be the last to enjoy lifetime protection. From here on in, the taxpayer-provided protection lasts 10 years.

[EOD Guy]

Children of former presidents can get protection until they are 21. Spouses can get lifetime protection, widows until they remarry. None of this is mandatory, but most take it. The President can extend the protection for anyone if he so desires. The amount of protection given depends on the perceived threat.

I don't know if recent legislation changed any of this since it has been a long time since I worked Secret Service support.

[Rick Daniel]

I don't think its required. I suspect the NY State Police provide a detail as a courtesy when Senators/Congressmen, etc. are in their district. I know that's how it works here. For example, Strom Thurmond always had a courtesy escort when he came home and/or traveled the state.

At the state level, many Governors and Lt. Governors are provided security details. Here in South Carolina the detail consists of specially trained members of the sate police (SLED), the Highway Patrol, and the DNR.

Our former Attorney General had a full-time SLED agent assigned as a bodyguard. He also had several other commissioned law enforcement officers working as investigators that sometimes helped as back-up security when needed.

[cordex]

Not sure about senators, but the Indiana governor has assigned State Police security detail that I don't think he can simply ask to leave him alone.

His wife gets a driver/guard, he's got a driver/guard and there are always at least two at the residence. Don't think he's even allowed to drive himself.

Nice guys too. Got one to help me break into my car when I locked the keys in it.

[Art Eatman]

Needed or not, many politicos like a security detail as a status symbol.

It was fun, back in the mid-1970s when Preston Smith was governor in Texas. He'd wander around town, no visible accompaniment, and sit at a table with whomever he knew--and it often wasn't some other politico. I was somewhat startled at a restaurant one noon-hour, when he asked if he could share my table, since the others were all full. :) Chatted a bit about ranchers' problems, and hunting...

Art

[Standing Wolf]

Does Chuckie really feel that way? Does he really have no choice?

Considering Upchuck Schumer is a congenital liar and one of the most shameless anti-Second Amendment bigots in the nation, I'd be extremely surprised if he told the truth.