The Roman Praetorian Guard protected the Roman Emperor and his family, as well as providing security and administration for state-sponsored events. Where the Secret Service is a federal law enforcement agency, the Praetorian Guard was more like a private army under the command of the Emperor. Just like modern intelligence, the Praetorian Guard performed numerous tasks not directly related to the protection of the emperor. Providing public security at public events and festivals to collecting taxes and fees throughout the empire are some examples of the guard's alternative duties. One notable difference between the Praetorian Guard and the modern Secret Service is that the Secret Service is not permitted to kill someone whom the President has a personal dislike. The Praetorian Guard was well known for being the heavy-handed force used by the Emperor to enforce his edicts throughout the empire. (Bingham