Service to issue HR-218 cards!

The latest word is that the Service WILL be issuing an ID card to qualified retirees as part of the implementation of HR-218. Effective 7/19/06 under manual Sec. RTC-05(09) instructions are provided for qualifying under HR-218.

The following is said to be from the applicable part of the instructions.

7. Personnel already retired desiring a Retired (Firearm) identification card will make an appointment at the closest USSS Field Office in the state in which they reside and execute all appropriate forms. An NCIC check and/or local checks will be conducted by the Field Orrice at that time. A new photograph will be taken and all appropriate informataion and paperwork will be forwarded to the Forensic Services Division for processing.

Upon approval (the vetting process includes the Office of the Chief Counsel; the Office of Inspection; and the Personnel Division,) FSD will produce the card and return it to the submitting Field Office for issuance. All appropriate forms will be maintained within the Forensic Services Division for final retention.

8. Meeting the additional requirements of the Act will be the responsibility of the individual and not the Secret Service.

As far as is known, the Service has not yet undertaken a program of notifying retirees of this new development.

The Service has advised that they are not yet ready to implement this program.

The field offices have not received official notification and the appropriate forms are not yet in the computer for field office access.

When retirees' requests for ID cards will be accepted will be announced at some future date.