How the Secret Service protects candidates

DENVER - With a little more than a week to go before the Democratic National Convention kicks off in Denver, the U.S. Secret Service is putting final touches on its security plan.

"We are ready," said Ron Perea, U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge of the Denver Field Office.

During a recent visit by presidential presumptive nominee John McCain, 9NEWS focused cameras not just on the candidate, but on Secret Service agents. Perea agreed to give 9NEWS an inside look at how agents protect dignitaries.

"That's usually the difference when you see the Secret Service," said Perea while looking over video shot by 9NEWS of agents protecting McCain at a recent event at the Grand Hyatt in Denver.

"We are not looking at the Senator, we're looking at the crowd," Perea said.

He says agents look for anything out of the ordinary.

"We have eyes completely around," Perea said of the 360-degree view agents keep on presidential candidates.

Agents use microphones hidden in their sleeves and earpieces to communicate with each other.

Whenever a candidate begins to shake hands with the crowd, agents closely guard the candidate.

While guests are focused on McCain's face as they shake his hand, agents keep a close eye on the hands of the people moving near McCain.

McCain signs autographs, but uses his own pen that he keeps in his pocket.

Using his own pen makes it harder for someone to get a dangerous item close to McCain.

Perea says small steps such as that are combined with other safety measures and help keep each candidate safe.

Perea says similar strategies will be used when Democratic presumptive presidential nominee Barack Obama gives his acceptance speech at INVESCO Field at Mile High Aug. 28.

If you have information or a story tip for investigative reporter Jace Larson, e-mail him at jace.larson@9news.com.