Report of the President's Commission on the Assassination of President John F. Kennedy

Planning for Motorcade Contingencies

The Secret Service informed the Commission that it consistently follows two general principles in emergencies involving the President: agents in the motorcade must attempt to cover the President as closely as possible and shield him, and agents must remove the President as quickly as possible from known or impending danger. Agents are instructed not to investigate or evaluate present danger but to consider any untoward circumstances as serious and afford maximum protection at all times; their primary responsibility is to stay with and protect the President, not to identify or arrest an attacker. Beyond these principles, the Secret Service believes detailed contingency planning is not feasible due to the variations possible, though various steps are taken to permit appropriate responses, including manning the lead car with agents familiar with the area and local law enforcement, maintaining an elaborate radio net, and including a doctor in the motorcade. The Commission finds this basic approach sound, as detailed contingency plans might inhibit quick and imaginative responses. It also finds that the Secret Service agents immediately responsible for the President’s safety reacted promptly at the time the shots were fired, demonstrating the courage and devotion to duty the Nation can expect from agents of the Secret Service.

Recommendations

The Commission’s review of the provisions for Presidential protection at the time of President Kennedy’s trip to Dallas demonstrates the need for substantial improvements. Since the assassination, the Secret Service and the Department of the Treasury have properly taken the initiative in reexamining major aspects of Presidential protection, with many changes already made and others contemplated, some in response to the Commission’s questions and informal suggestions. The Commission proceeds to make specific recommendations concerning making assassination a Federal crime, establishing a Cabinet-level committee or National Security Council mechanism to oversee protective activities, and clarifying the responsibilities for Presidential protection.