As the U.S. Department of State’s primary point of contact with host nation law
enforcement and security agencies in Bosnia and Herzegovina, U.S. Embassy Sarajevo
Regional Security Office (RSO) personnel work with foreign police and security to coordinate U.S. law enforcement initiatives, investigations, and training.
From November 16-19, 2020, Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) special agents and
security professionals assigned to RSO Sarajevo conducted first-of-its-kind joint training
with the Directorate for Coordination of Police Bodies, the host nation police force
responsible for embassy and branch office security in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Locally
employed staff from the local guard force, the ambassador’s protective detail, and the
foreign service national investigator (FSNI) sections participated.
The training covered an array of skills used by RSO Sarajevo to keep the U.S. embassy
and its occupants safe. The ambassador’s protective detail instructed on protective
detail formations, advances, and motorcade operations. Local guard force members
practiced screening people and vehicles using x-ray machines, walk-through metal
detectors, mirrors, and itemizer technology. FSNIs instructed host nation police officers
on large event security coordination and dignitary visit security. RSO Sarajevo also
conducted a WMD decontamination exercise to introduce host nation police officers to
the signs and symptoms of common chemical and biological agents and how to react.
“Our mission is very pleased with the successful outcome of this initial round of training
with our host nation law enforcement partners,” said DSS Special Agent and Regional
Security Officer Philip Nazelrod. “The training improved the mutual skills, cooperation,
and trust we rely on while working together to provide a secure environment for the
conduct of U.S. foreign policy in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
Learn more about how DSS protects U.S. missions abroad.
