An official website of the United States Government Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov

A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Bds Factsheetgraphic

Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) is the law enforcement and security arm of the U.S.Department of State. DSS is a world leader in dignitary protection, passport and visa fraud investigations, threat analysis, cybersecurity, antiterrorism training, and security technology.

• Overseas: Provides security for U.S.diplomats, protects facilities and information, conducts international criminal investigations;

• Domestic: Conducts passport and visa fraud investigations—partnering with local, federal, and international law enforcement;
conducts counterintelligence and special investigations, and secures domestic U.S. State Department facilities;

• Protection: Protects the U.S. secretary of state as well as visiting foreign dignitaries below the head-of-state level, U.S. ambassador to the U.N., U.S. delegations overseas, and U.S. athletes at international events;

• Training: Prepares DSS and the U.S. diplomatic community to meet the safety and security challenges of serving overseas; and

• Critical Information: Safeguards sensitive diplomatic data and information.

1,900+ MARINE SECURITY GUARDS

700+ FOREIGN SERVICE NATIONAL INVESTIGATORS

2,100+ SPECIAL AGENTS/CRIMINAL INVESTIGATORS

100+ DIPLOMATIC COURIERS

43,600+ FOREIGN GUARD, BODYGUARD AND SURVEILLANCE DETECTION PERSONNEL

100+ NAVY SEABEES

200+ SECURITY ENGINEERING OFFICERS

1,300+ UNIFORMED PROTECTION OFFICERS

800+ CIVIL SERVANTS

140+ SECURITY TECHNICAL SPECIALISTS

U.S. Department of State

The Lessons of 1989: Freedom and Our Future