Protecting Facilities in the United States
The Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) manages security for more than 100 Department of State facilities in the United States. Protecting these domestic Department of State facilities involves all types of security personnel—not only uniformed guards and K-9s but security specialists, engineers, and technicians who survey, design, develop, install, and update technical equipment.
Uniformed Guards
Uniformed guards monitor access to Department of State facilities by screening visitors and packages, patrolling facilities, and monitoring security systems. These uniformed officers also support special events and conferences in Department of State domestic facilities.
K-9 Officers
As part of its facility screening process, DSS employs explosive ordinance technicians, commonly known as bomb-sniffing dogs. Each dog is paired with a trained security officer, or dog handler. The teams routinely patrol Department of State buildings and check vehicles at loading docks, and often support foreign dignitary protection details by patrolling hotels and other sites.
Security Engineering Officers
Security engineering officers are highly skilled engineers who use electronic and mechanical security systems to protect Department of State facilities and personnel around the world from technical espionage, acts of terrorism, and and other threats.
Security Technical Specialists
Security technical specialists (STSs) are foreign service specialists who maintain and repair technical security systems and equipment to protect Department of State personnel, information, and facilities around the world.