Even after a string of high-profile security incidents led the Secret Service to rethink how it patrols the White House grounds, the agency still takes what some see as a risky approach to the presidential motorcade -- relying on unpaid, untrained volunteers to drive some of the vehicles.

 

The New York Times reported Friday that volunteers "with no special training" are frequently used to drive vans, which hold journalists and White House staff members, in the middle of the presidential motorcade.

 

The vans typically are sandwiched between the sleek, bulletproof vehicles -- driven by Secret Service agents -- at the front of the motorcade, and the police cars and Secret Service ambulance at the back.

 

While those vehicles are piloted by highly trained agents and officers, security experts continue to worry that the often-young volunteers driving the vans in the middle pose a security risk.

 

"You are face to face with a young person who is just completely full of themselves and enthralled," former Secret Service agent Dan Emmett told the Times.

 

He said: "If the motorcade ever comes under fire, it's going to be a problem."

 

Rest of the article: Untrained, unpaid volunteers driving vehicles in presidential motorcade | Fox News

 

What does everyone think of this?

Pretty stupid.

They are just hauling the press and other non-essential people...does anyone really care if the Press Van wrecks? :lol2:

 

 

 

 

FWIW I think it's stupid!

First, really stupid idea letting untrained personnel drive what are suppose to be protected vehicles. Second, why does this info have to be given out so that every crazy out there can put it on their list of "now easy targets".

 

It blows me away some of the info that gets out to the public which I feel should be kept in secret. Crazy!

It became a news story when a female college student posted photos of her driving in the motorcade.

 

But this has always been known just not publicized. It's a very bad idea and policy. If I were Obama or any past president I would want a proffesional driving every vehicle in my motorcade.

While I think it's a bad idea also, it's not like they are driving the Presidents Limo or the Secret Service SUV's. They are driving shuttle vans at the back of the convoy, cheaper than having people on the payroll just to do this.

While I think it's a bad idea also, it's not like they are driving the Presidents Limo or the Secret Service SUV's. They are driving shuttle vans at the back of the convoy, cheaper than having people on the payroll just to do this.

 

Vans in the middle of the convoy. Which to me makes a huge difference. Police and secret service are behind them. If something were to happen they could potentially block the path of the secret service and police.

Vans in the middle of the convoy. Which to me makes a huge difference. Police and secret service are behind them. If something were to happen they could potentially block the path of the secret service and police.

True, but there are also police and SS in front of them between them and the President.

 

The convoy comes along around the 5:11 point on the video...vans are at the back. Vans with Red and Blue Lights are not being driven by volunteers.

 

Vans in the middle of the convoy. Which to me makes a huge difference. Police and secret service are behind them. If something were to happen they could potentially block the path of the secret service and police.

 

Since 1963 they probably do not like armed SS agents too close to the Presidential car....

Since 1963 they probably do not like armed SS agents too close to the Presidential car....

They are directly behind the President in Suburbans.

 

I guess you think an Agent Accidentally shot the President in 1963?