View source for Diplomatic Security Service

{{Short description|US Department of State law enforcement agency}}
{{Distinguish|Bureau of Diplomatic Security}}
{{Infobox law enforcement agency
| agencyname        = Diplomatic Security Service
| abbreviation      = DSS
| logo              = Seal of the United States Diplomatic Security Service.svg
| logocaption       = Seal of the Diplomatic Security Service
| imagesize         = 
| badge             = DSS Badge New (2021 issue).jpg
| badgecaption      = DSS Special Agent badge
| flag              = 
| flagcaption       = 
| motto             = 
| mottotranslated   = 
| mission           = 
| formedyear        = 1916: [[Bureau of Secret Intelligence]]<br />1945: Office of Security<br />1985: Diplomatic Security Service
| country           = United States
| headquarters      = [[Washington, D.C.]]
| sworntype         = Agent
| sworn             = 2,200+ (Authorized) <2000 (2022)
| minister1name     = [[Carlos Matus]]
| minister1pfo      = Acting [[Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security]]
| electeetype       = Assistant Secretary
| chief1name        = [[Paul R. Houston|Paul Houston]]
| chief1position    = Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and Director
| parentagency      = [[Bureau of Diplomatic Security]] of the [[United States Department of State|U.S. Department of State]]
| child1agency      = 
| unittype          = Tactical unit
| unitname          = [[Mobile Security Deployments]]
| officetype        = 
| officename        = 
| provideragency    = 
| uniformedas       = 
| stationtype       = Field office
| stations          = 8
| vehicle1type      = Resident office
| vehicles1         = 15
| vehicle2type      = Overseas office
| vehicles2         = 285
| website           = {{URL|https://diplomaticsecurity.state.gov/}}
| footnotes         = 
}}
The '''Diplomatic Security Service''' ('''DSS''') is the principal [[Specialist law enforcement agency|law enforcement]] and security agency of the [[United States Department of State]] (DOS).<ref>[https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/DS100Then-Now_forWebOnly-1.pdf Diplomatic Security Service: Then & Now]. ''U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security,'' '''p. 69.'''</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=About Us – Bureau of Diplomatic Security |url=https://www.state.gov/about-us-bureau-of-diplomatic-security/ |access-date=2024-07-18 |website=United States Department of State |language=en-US}}</ref> Its primary mission is to protect diplomatic assets, personnel, and information, and combat transnational crimes connected to [[Visa fraud|visa]] and [[passport fraud]]. DSS also conducts [[Counter-terrorism|counterterrorism]], [[counterintelligence]], [[Computer security|cybersecurity]] and [[criminal investigation]]s domestically and abroad.

Originating in diplomatic security measures implemented during the [[First World War]], DSS was [[Inman Report|formally established in 1985]] following the deadly 1983 bombings of the [[1983 US embassy bombing in Beirut|U.S. embassy]] and [[1983 Beirut barracks bombings|Marine barracks]] in [[Beirut]], Lebanon.<ref name="briefhistory" /> It is the leading U.S. law enforcement agency abroad and the most widely deployed in the world, protecting 275 U.S. [[diplomatic missions]] in over 170 countries and in more than thirty U.S. cities.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bureau of Diplomatic Security|url=https://www.state.gov/bureaus-offices/under-secretary-for-management/bureau-of-diplomatic-security/|access-date=2020-12-11|website=United States Department of State|language=en-US}}</ref> As employees of the U.S. State Department, DSS [[special agent]]s are unique in [[Federal law enforcement in the United States|U.S. federal law enforcement]] for also being members of the [[U.S. Foreign Service|Foreign Service]].

The service's most visible activity is providing security to the [[U.S. Secretary of State|U.S. secretary of state]], the [[List of ambassadors of the United States to the United Nations|U.S. ambassador to the United Nations]] and other senior diplomats. As part of its duty to provide a safe and secure environment for U.S. diplomacy, DSS also protects foreign dignitaries visiting the United States, advises U.S. ambassadors on security matters, and manages security programs for international events, often in cooperation with domestic and foreign counterparts.<ref name=DS>{{cite web|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/m/ds |title=Bureau of Diplomatic Security |publisher=State.gov |date=2012-05-11 |access-date=2012-05-17}}</ref>

== Overview ==
While best known for its security role, DSS is a full-fledged [[law enforcement agency]] that conducts international [[criminal investigation]]s, [[threat analysis]], [[Counter-terrorism|counterterrorism]], [[counterintelligence]], security technology, [[Computer security|cybersecurity]], and investigations into international [[human trafficking]].

The agency employs over 2,500 Foreign Service specialists, including special agents, security engineering officers, security technical specialists, and diplomatic couriers.<ref>[https://www.state.gov/working-for-dss/ Working for DSS – United States Department of State]</ref>

DSS agents are federal agents with the power to arrest, carry [[firearm]]s, serve [[arrest warrant]]s and perform other law enforcement activities.<ref name="DS" />

Whereas most U.S. federal law enforcement agents are members of the [[United States federal civil service|federal civil service]], the majority of DSS special agents are both [[United States Foreign Service|Foreign Service]] specialists and law enforcement officers. DSS agents are unique in being required to serve multiple-year tours abroad as a condition of employment.

When not on an overseas assignment, agents serve at DSS headquarters in [[Arlington, Virginia]], or in one of the thirty-three field offices nationwide.

A small percentage of DSS special agents are members of the [[United States Department of State|State Department]]'s civil service and are not mandated to serve tours overseas; they instead focus on criminal investigations and dignitary protection within the United States.

When assigned to domestic field offices, DSS special agents investigate transnational crimes, [[passport fraud]] and [[visa fraud]], and protect visiting foreign dignitaries. They also investigate the activities of foreign intelligence agencies that are focused on the Department of State, assist in apprehending fugitives that have fled the United States, and conduct background checks on State Department employees, applicants, and contractors.

DSS special agents perform law enforcement duties at U.S. missions, provide security assistance, protect senior diplomats, and perform other roles as needed. The ranking DSS special agent at an [[embassy]] or [[consulate]] holds the title of [[Regional Security Officer|regional security officer]] (RSO) and is often known as the "security attaché."

==History==
The origins of DSS go back to the early stages of the First World War, when the United States, which sought to maintain its neutrality, found itself the target of espionage, sabotage and passport fraud.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/DS100Then-Now_forWebOnly-1.pdf|title=Diplomatic Security Service: Then and Now}}</ref>

German and Austrian spies were known to be conducting operations in [[New York City]] using forged or stolen identity papers. In late 1915, [[United States Secretary of State|Secretary of State]] [[Robert Lansing]] recommended creating an international law enforcement task force within the Department of State to investigate such crimes.

=== Bureau of Secret Intelligence ===
[[File:Bureau of Secret Intelligence - Diplomatic Security Service DSS 1916 Badge.jpg|thumb|right|upright|1916 badge of the [[Bureau of Secret Intelligence]]]]
When his suggestion failed to gain support, on April 4, 1916, Secretary Lansing, with the authorization of President Woodrow Wilson, created his own task force, the [[Bureau of Secret Intelligence]], which he dubbed "the Secret Service of the Department of State."<ref name=":0" /><ref>Sources: Washington Post, Sept 7, 2004, State's Security Bureau Takes on Expanded Role, Washington Post article by Robin Wright; (Book) 2002 Relentless Pursuit: The DSS and the Manhunt for the Al-Qaeda Terrorists, Samuel M. Katz.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/m/ds/rls/c31108.htm |title=U.S. Department of State DS Pictorial History Photo 5 of 192 – 1916: U.S. Secretary of State Robert Lansing creates an informal Secret Intelligence Bureau to examine information of a secret nature received from other U.S. agencies and from allied intelligence agents, and to oversee surveillance of the German Embassy in Washington, DC. The office is never a formal Department bureau but only a few special agents located within the Office of the Counselor. Lansing also proposes an inter-agency secret service to be centered in the Department of State, but the White House fails to act on the suggestion. In 1917, he hires the first Chief Special Agent, Joseph M. Nye. These initiatives come in response to German and Austrian acts of fraud, propaganda, sabotage, and espionage in the United States during the First World War. (Source: Library of Congress, National Photo Company Collection) |publisher=State.gov |access-date=2012-05-17}}</ref> An off-the-books adjunct to the Division of Information, the Bureau was also known as the Office of the Chief Special Agent, possibly to disguise its sensitive operations.<ref>Allen Dulles by James Srodes, Page 83</ref><ref>Book: The Armies of Ignorance: The Rise of the American Intelligence Empire by William R. Corson, 1977; Page 74</ref>

Supported by confidential funds from Secretary Lansing's office,<ref name="briefhistory">{{Cite web |title=Diplomatic Security: A Brief History |url=http://www.heroes.net/history.html |publisher=BUREAU OF DIPLOMATIC SECURITY, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE |access-date= |archiveurl=https://archive.today/19970427224328/http://www.heroes.net/history.html |archivedate=April 27, 1997 |url-status=live }}</ref> this small force was composed of agents from the [[United States Secret Service|U.S. Secret Service]], who specialized in counterfeit currency, and agents of the [[United States Postal Inspection Service|U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS)]], which had the best forensic laboratory in the country.<ref>{{cite web|title=h2g2 – The Diplomatic Security Service of the USA|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A1021843|date=2003-10-21|publisher=Bbc.co.uk|access-date=2012-05-17}}</ref>

The agents were overseen by a junior [[Foreign Service Officer|Foreign Service officer]], [[Leland B. Harrison|Leland Harrison]]. Tasked primarily with [[Counterintelligence|counterespionage]] and counterintelligence, the team also investigated passport fraud, protected U.S. and foreign diplomats on U.S. soil, and processed threat reports from overseas posts. Following U.S. entry into the war, the Bureau also interned and exchanged diplomatic officials of enemy powers.

After the war ended, Congress passed laws requiring American citizens to return with passports and resident aliens to enter with visas. State Department agents began investigating subsequent instances of passport and visa fraud. Around this same time State Department agents began protecting distinguished visitors to the United States.

By the 1920s, the chief special agent no longer reported his office's activities directly to the Secretary of State, instead answering to the [[Assistant Secretary of State for Administration|assistant secretary of state for administration]]. Within the next two decades major passport fraud activities were detected and neutralized worldwide, often involving both [[Communists]] and [[Nazis]].

=== Office of Security ===
During [[World War II]], State Department agents were once again involved in interning and exchanging diplomatic officials of enemy powers. Around this time, the chief special agent's office became known as SY (short for [[Office of Security]]), which in turn was under the Administration Bureau of the Management Undersecretary. After World War II, SY began expanding its presence overseas, with numerous [[Regional Security Officer]] (RSO) positions created in overseas posts.

In 1961, [[Otto Otepka]], then a deputy director of SY, brought to the attention of the [[United States Senate|U.S. Senate]] Internal Security Subcommittee deficiencies in the State Department clearance process.

The allegations were traced all the way up to then [[Secretary of State|secretary of state]] [[Dean Rusk]]. Despite multiple awards, appeals from multiple U.S. Senators and not backing down, Secretary Rusk removed Otepka from his position and ultimately unceremoniously fired him.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Roorda|first=Eric Paul|date=2007|title=McCarthyite in Camelot: The "Loss" of Cuba, Homophobia, and the Otto Otepka Scandal in the Kennedy State Department|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/24916202|journal=Diplomatic History|volume=31|issue=4|pages=723–754|doi=10.1111/j.1467-7709.2007.00644.x|jstor=24916202|issn=0145-2096|url-access=subscription}}</ref>

Starting sometime after World War II, SY began regularly protecting visiting heads of state, but it had done so sporadically since the 1930s. Before his departure in 1947, SY director Bannerman began codifying procedures for overseas security. This process continued in the late 1940s, with a number of RSO positions being created.

From that time and through the early 1970s, the number of agents remained relatively small, hovering around 300, with more than half of these serving overseas at any given time. The [[April 1983 U.S. Embassy bombing|April 1983 U.S. embassy bombing]] was a catharsis for the State Department, which would transform SY into the newly created Diplomatic Security Service, part of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security.

=== Diplomatic Security Service ===
Congress formed a commission headed by [[Bobby Ray Inman|Admiral Bobby Ray Inman]] to look into the bombings of U.S. diplomatic facilities in Beirut. The resultant [[Inman Report]] recommended that security at the State Department needed to be elevated to a higher priority.

In 1985, Congress created the [[Bureau of Diplomatic Security]] (DS), headed by the [[Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security|assistant secretary of state for diplomatic security]], and the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), headed by the Director of DSS, who is subordinate to the assistant secretary of state for DS.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.reagan.utexas.edu/archives/speeches/1986/082786a.htm |title=Statement on Signing the Omnibus Diplomatic Security and Antiterrorism Act of 1986 |publisher=Reagan.utexas.edu |date=1986-08-27 |access-date=2012-05-17 |archive-date=September 10, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910092654/http://www.reagan.utexas.edu/archives/speeches/1986/082786a.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> However, DSS is the federal law enforcement agency, and not the Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS).

The director of DSS is an active DSS agent and is often referred as the [[Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary|principal deputy assistant secretary]] (PDAS), as he/she is senior to the various assistant directors of diplomatic security who hold positions equivalent to [[Deputy Assistant Secretary|deputy assistant secretary]] (DAS).

The PDAS designation signifies the DSS director's preeminence over the other DASs within DSS, while at the same time signifying his/her position under the assistant secretary of state for Diplomatic Security.<ref>{{cite web |title=Statement of Qualifications for Purpose of Section 402 of The Omnibus Diplomatic Security and Antiterrorism Act of 1986 |url=https://2001-2009.state.gov/documents/organization/21837.pdf |date=2022-03-01 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230405223653/https://2001-2009.state.gov/documents/organization/21837.pdf |archive-date=2023-04-05 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The first assistant secretaries for DS were senior [[Foreign Service Officer|Foreign Service officer]]s, while the last several have been retired senior DSS special agents. With the creation of DSS, its ranks grew to well over 1,000 agents. However, by the mid-1990s, budget cutbacks were foisted on the U.S. State Department by Congress, and the department in turn trimmed the budget of DSS to the point where it had dwindled to a little over 600 agents.

Although DSS was by then a bureau within the State Department, the vast majority of RSOs overseas continued to report to the administration officer. This changed in 1999, as fallout from the [[East Africa embassy bombings]] of 1998.

The terse message from the then [[Under Secretary of State for Management|undersecretary for management]] announcing the immediate change made it clear that this action was against his best judgment and insinuated that it was done because then Secretary of State Madeleine Albright ordered it.{{Citation needed|date=May 2011}}

This change stripped DSS out from under administration officers and placed the RSO directly under the deputy chief of mission (DCM) in the chain of command at an embassy.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://fam.state.gov/FAM/12FAM/12FAM0420.html|title=12 FAM 420 Post Operations – Post Security Management}}</ref>

== Structure and organization ==
[[File:DS Org Chart.jpg|thumb|Bureau (DS) Organizational Chart]]
Outside the Department of State, there is much confusion about the relationship between the [[Bureau of Diplomatic Security]] (DS) and the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS).

DS oversees all security-related matters at the Department of State, which includes security at U.S. embassies and consulates. DS has approximately 40,000 employees, of whom roughly 2,500 are Foreign Service specialists within DSS.

As such, DSS is the primary mechanism by which the Bureau of Diplomatic Security accomplishes its law enforcement (criminal investigative) and security missions.

The Bureau of Diplomatic Security is headed by the [[Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security|assistant secretary of state for diplomatic security]], who in turn is served by several deputy assistant secretaries (DAS). The principal deputy assistant secretary (PDAS) is the director for the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) and is an active DSS special agent.<ref>Bureau of Diplomatic Security official home page http://www.state.gov/m/ds/</ref>[[File:DSS Org Chart.jpg|thumb|DSS Organizational Chart]]All employees who work for Bureau of Diplomatic Security, including those of DSS, are referred to as DS employees. DSS special agents are frequently assigned to positions within DSS, but occasionally work outside of their bureau structure.

For example, while assigned overseas, Department of State employees are evaluated by their superiors at the embassy or consulate to which they are assigned. In the case of DSS agents, the RSO (senior special agent at post) is rated by the deputy chief of mission and reviewed by the chief of mission (ambassador). DSS hierarchy has no input on the agent's evaluation, though it does provide instructions to the agent.

== Protection mission ==
[[File:Secretary Kerry Speaks on Phone Before Departing France After Commemorating Paris Shooting Victims (16142178627).jpg|thumb|A DSS agent stands watch as Secretary of State Kerry makes a telephone call.]]

DSS is best identified with its protection assignments around the globe. The largest permanent [[Dignitary Protection|dignitary protection]] detail carried out by DSS agents is on the [[United States Secretary of State|United States secretary of state]]. The [[United States Ambassador to the United Nations|ambassador to the United Nations]] also has an ongoing protection detail.

Some U.S. ambassadors receive protection from DSS in addition to security provided overseas by the host countries, depending on their post.

[[image:DSS special agents prepare for Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo to exit a meeting with Chairman Kim in Pyongyang. (44701957685).jpg|thumb|right|200px|DSS special agents prepare for Secretary of State [[Mike Pompeo]] to exit a meeting with [[Supreme Leader (North Korean title)|North Korean leader]] [[Kim Jong Un]] in [[Pyongyang]].]]
Protection of visiting foreign ministers and senior officials from major nations, heads of states and governments not officially recognized by the U.S, heads of major international organizations and high ranking diplomats are typically covered by DSS. Notable protection details include most major members of the [[British royal family]], the [[14th Dalai Lama|Fourteenth Dalai Lama]], Palestinian Authority president [[Mahmoud Abbas]], [[Diana, Princess of Wales|Princess Diana]], [[Yasser Arafat]],<ref name="cbsnews.com">{{cite news |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=5341322n&tag=contentMain;contentBody/ |title=Protection of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas |work=[[CBS News]] |date=2009-09-25 |access-date=2012-05-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108140349/http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=5341322n |archive-date=November 8, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Tsai Ing-wen]] and [[Boris Yeltsin]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/m/ds/protection/c8756.htm |title=Information on protection work |publisher=U.S. Department of State |access-date= July 16, 2007}}</ref> DSS may also provide protection to high-risk private individuals visiting the United States, such as prominent foreign dissidents or opposition leaders.

While DSS protects visiting foreign dignitaries, the U.S. Department of State's [[Office of Foreign Missions]] is responsible for the protection of foreign embassies and consulates on U.S. soil.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/22/4802- |title=U.S. Code Title 22 Chapter 58 Subchater I section 4802(a)(1)(D) July 22, 2008 |publisher=Law.cornell.edu |access-date=2012-05-17}}</ref>

Since DSS does not have a true uniformed force with police powers, other agencies or local police departments are reimbursed for providing this service; two notable are the [[United States Secret Service Uniformed Division|Secret Service Uniformed Division]] in Washington, D.C. and the [[New York City Police Department]].

During the annual [[United Nations General Assembly]] (UNGA) meeting in September, DSS, as well as the U.S. Secret Service and other federal agencies, protect hundreds of foreign dignitaries as they visit New York City.

DSS has the authority to provide protection for foreign heads of state and was the lead agency for this role through the early 1970s. However, an order signed by President [[Richard Nixon]] gave primary responsibility of protection of visiting heads of state to the Secret Service.<ref>{{cite news|date=2004-09-07|title=State's Security Bureau Takes on Expanded Role|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A1157-2004Sep6?language=printer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714144905/https://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A1157-2004Sep6/?language=printer|url-status=dead|archive-date=2018-07-14|access-date=2012-05-17}}</ref>

== Investigations ==
[[File:DSS DalaiLama.jpg|thumb|right|upright|DSS special agents escort the [[Dalai Lama]] from a speaking engagement at [[Rice University]]]]
DSS investigations, carried out by numerous field offices and resident agent offices throughout the U.S, and by RSOs overseas, focus mainly on passport or visa fraud. DSS special agents also investigate such cases as human and sex trafficking, document fraud, international parental kidnapping, child exploitation, violations of the Protect Act, assaults on federally protected persons, fugitive arrests overseas (with host nation assistance), [[Counter-terrorism|counterterrorism]] and [[counterintelligence]] (CI) investigations and international [[organized crime]] cases. If there is a nexus to passport and/or visa fraud, use of State Department documents, diplomatic activities, the U.S. Foreign Service, or terrorism, DSS is typically involved.

According to the [[Bureau of Justice Statistics]] (BJS) Federal Criminal Case Processing Statistics, the Department of State is responsible for roughly 200 domestic criminal arrests per year from 2011-2019 (with drop-offs due to COVID-19 and other internal factors resulting in a reduction of over 50% in 2020 and 2021).<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bjs.gov/fjsrc/var.cfm?ttype=trends&agency=USMS&db_type=ArrestsFed&saf=IN | title=Federal Criminal Case Processing Statistics }}</ref>

=== Passport and visa fraud ===
{{Main|Passport fraud|Visa fraud}}

U.S. passports and visas are valuable travel documents, and consequently some foreign nationals fraudulently acquire U.S. passports and visas to carry out criminal activities, including terrorism, inside the borders of the United States.

It is a federal offense to apply, or assist someone in applying, for a U.S. passport or visa when they are not entitled to one. Usually this means an alien in the U.S. trying to establish a false U.S. identity, or stealing the identity from an American, often one who has died.

Visa fraud can also include participating in [[sham marriage]]s in order to allow an unentitled foreigner to become a U.S. citizen.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://media-newswire.com/release_1084288.html |title=Tacoma Man Who Posed As Fiancé In Visa Fraud Sentenced To Prison Time |publisher=Media-newswire.com |access-date=2012-05-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=39576 |title=Harry Reid Aide's Sham Marriage to Terror Suspect |publisher=Humanevents.com |date=2010-09-21 |access-date=2012-05-17 |archive-date=October 27, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101027190356/http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=39576 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/10/26/reid-staffer-gone-amid-fake-marriage-revelation/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101027184405/http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/10/26/reid-staffer-gone-amid-fake-marriage-revelation/ | url-status=dead | archive-date=October 27, 2010 | work=CNN | title=Reid staffer gone amid fake marriage revelation | date=2010-10-26}} Senator Harry Reid staffer gone amid fake marriage revelation</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=Sltrib.com |url=http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/51900108-78/passport-cases-fraud-documents.html.csp |title=Federal Prosecutors see more cases of Passport Fraud |date=2011-05-27 |access-date=2012-05-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.justice.gov/usao/ut/press/releases/Passport%20fraud%20release.pdf |title=Providing False Information On Passport Applications Leads To Federal Prosecutions |access-date=2012-05-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120105191136/http://www.justice.gov/usao/ut/press/releases/Passport%20fraud%20release.pdf |archive-date=2012-01-05 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=David |last=Fein |url=https://www.justice.gov/usao/ct/Press2011/20111004-2.html |title=Guinean Citizen Guilty Of Immigration Offense |publisher=Justice.gov |access-date=2012-05-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111029232432/http://www.justice.gov/usao/ct/Press2011/20111004-2.html |archive-date=October 29, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Sometimes Americans, including [[Foreign Service Officer|Foreign Service officer]]s (FSOs), are the target of DSS investigations, such as an FSO selling visas for personal gain. DSS also investigates other alleged improper or illegal behavior by Department of State personnel, to include incidents of espionage. Such cases would involve other agencies, such as the Department of Justice.

Overseas DSS must take the role of local and state law enforcement when investigating issues such as spousal or child abuse by U.S. government personnel assigned to the embassy. This is because the host country will not investigate or prosecute diplomats, who are considered to have immunity from their laws. DSS also conducts tens of thousands of background investigations per year – not just for the Department of State, but for other federal agencies as well.

In recent years, DSS has expanded its overseas investigations program with DSS special agents serving as overseas criminal investigators (OCIs). These agents are given special training in consular functions and are commissioned consular officers.

However, they spend a large amount of their time working with the fraud units in consular sections, investigating visa and passport fraud, as well as crimes that have a nexus to those documents, including terrorism, organized crime, trafficking in persons, and narcotics violations.

At the U.S. border, OCIs may work alien smuggling, human trafficking, and passport and visa fraud cases with [[U.S. Customs and Border Protection]] (CBP) and Homeland Security Investigations. In addition, OCIs also have responsibilities outside of their respective consular assignments for mission security.

=== Counterintelligence ===
The DSS Office of Investigations and Counterintelligence conducts a robust [[counterintelligence]] program designed to deter, detect, and neutralize the efforts of foreign intelligence services targeting Department of State personnel, facilities, and diplomatic missions worldwide.

The office's counterintelligence division conducts aggressive counterintelligence inquires and counterespionage investigations with other U.S. government agencies. Counterespionage investigations are conducted in coordination with the [[FBI]] in accordance with their legal mandates.

The division conducts numerous counterintelligence and security awareness training programs for all U.S. government personnel requesting or having access to sensitive [[Department of State]] facilities and information.

All training programs enhance the understanding of both foreign intelligence and espionage threats and countermeasures, and educate employees on the foreign intelligence environment.

In addition, the office relies on a cadre of security engineers to deter, detect, and neutralize attempts by foreign intelligence services to technically penetrate U.S. office buildings and residences.

These efforts range from detecting a simple listening device in the wall to countering the most sophisticated electronic eavesdropping devices and systems.<ref>{{cite web |title=Counterintelligence Investigations |url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/m/ds/terrorism/c8653.htm |publisher=State.gov }}</ref>

On June 4, 2009, DSS and the FBI arrested former Department of State employee [[Walter Kendall Myers]] on charges of serving as an illegal agent of the Cuban government for nearly 30 years and conspiring to provide classified U.S. information to the Cuban government. Myers’ arrest is the culmination of a three-year joint DSS/FBI investigation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2009/06a/124404.htm |title=Arrest of Walter Kendall Myers |publisher=State.gov |access-date=2012-05-17 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Cuban spies arrested |url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2009/06a/124404.htm |publisher=State.gov }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Federal Indictment of Myers |url=http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/06/05/myers.indictment.pdf |publisher=Icdn.turner.com }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2009/06a/124404.htm |title=Walter Kendall Myers and wife arrested for spying against the U.S. |publisher=State.gov |access-date=2012-05-17 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |newspaper=Washingtonpost.com |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/16/AR2010071600684.html?hpid%3Dmoreheadlines&sub=AR |title=Walter Kendall Myers sentenced to life in prison |date= 2010-07-17|first=Spencer S. |last=Hsu}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |publisher=Cubaverdad.net |url=http://www.cubaverdad.net/weblog/cubas-spy-program-deeply-rooted-in-u-s/ |title=Cuba's Spy Program Deeply Rooted in U.S. |access-date=October 27, 2010 |archive-date=December 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206144857/https://cubaverdad.net/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |publisher=washingtontimes.com |url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/jul/10/us-investigates-syrian-diplomats-for-spying-on-pro/ |title=U.S. investigates Syrian diplomats for spying on protesters – State Department may limit their travel }}</ref>

=== Counterterrorism ===
The Diplomatic Security Service maintains agents on dozens of [[Joint Terrorism Task Force]]s around the country.

The Office of Protective Intelligence and Investigations (PII) in the Threat Intelligence and Analysis division has DSS special agents who travel all over the world investigating threats to the secretary of State and U.S. embassies and consulates.

Any time there is a threat or an attack against a U.S. embassy or consulate, DSS special agents are the first on the scene to investigate.

The [[Rewards for Justice Program]] (RFJ) is the counterterrorism rewards program of DSS.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rewards for Justice |url=https://www.state.gov/rewards-for-justice/ |access-date=2023-12-13 |website=United States Department of State |language=en-US}}</ref> The secretary of State is currently offering rewards for information that prevents or favorably resolves acts of international terrorism against U.S. persons or property worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rewards for Justice |url=https://www.state.gov/rewards-for-justice/ |access-date=2023-12-03 |website=United States Department of State |language=en-US}}</ref>

In the days following the April 15, 2013, [[Boston Marathon Bombing|Boston Marathon bombing]], DSS special agents investigated the incident along with personnel from the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation|FBI]], [[Homeland Security Investigations|HSI]], [[Massachusetts State Police|State Police]], [[Boston Police Department|Boston Police]], [[Cambridge Police Department (Massachusetts)|Cambridge Police]], and other law enforcement agencies; this led to the death of one suspect and the capture of the second suspect.<ref>{{cite web|title=DSS take part in 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing Investigation.|date=19 April 2013 |url=http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/members-of-the-fbi-state-police-boston-police-cambridge-news-photo/166984445}}</ref>

=== Other investigations ===
DSS investigates crimes against State Department personnel and other U.S. government personnel and families assigned under chief-of-mission authority at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.

DSS special agents have investigated thefts, assaults, rapes, and murders, among other charges, around the world.

Unlike investigations conducted in the United States by other federal agencies, DSS agents have to work jointly with their foreign counterparts in often hostile areas of the world.

On January 28, 2009, [[CIA]] [[station chief]] [[Andrew Warren]] in [[Algiers]], [[Algeria]], was reportedly under investigation by DSS for having allegedly raped two local women.<ref>{{cite news |title=Exclusive: CIA Station Chief in Algeria Accused of Rapes |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/Story?id=6750266&page=1 |publisher=Abcnews.go.com |format=PDF }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Affidavit in Support of a Search Warrant |url=https://abcnews.go.com/images/Blotter/searchwarrant1.pdf |publisher=Abcnews.go.com }}</ref>

=== Fugitives ===
The Diplomatic Security Service is tasked with tracking and capturing [[fugitives]] who have fled U.S. jurisdiction to avoid prosecution. DSS locates and helps return approximately 300 fugitives annually, often working with other U.S. law enforcement agencies, most notably the U.S. Marshals Service.<ref>{{Cite web |last=jimenezla |date=2021-10-01 |title=The Overseas Criminal Investigations Division |url=https://statemag.state.gov/2021/10/1021office/ |access-date=2025-01-29 |website=State Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 1995 DSS Special Agents Jeff Riner and Bill Miller, the RSOs assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Pakistan, along with Pakistani police and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), arrested Ramzi Yousef, who was the mastermind behind the 1993 World Trade Center bombing in New York City.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/library/center-for-the-study-of-intelligence/csi-publications/csi-studies/studies/vol48no3/article10.html |title=The Intelligence Officer's Bookshelf – Central Intelligence Agency |publisher=Cia.gov |access-date=2012-05-17 |archive-date=October 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018083719/https://www.cia.gov/library/center-for-the-study-of-intelligence/csi-publications/csi-studies/studies/vol48no3/article10.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Despite its press releases, the FBI played no role in his capture.

In another case, Jared Ravin Yaffe ran a child pornography ring between March and September 2008 by paying babysitters to give him access to children.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=Jiménez|first=Jose Luis|date=2 December 2009|title=Life in prison for baby sitter who aided molesting|url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-life-prison-baby-sitter-who-aided-molesting-2009dec02-story.html|access-date=2021-03-17|website=San Diego Union-Tribune|language=en-US}}</ref> When police took note, Yaffe fled to North Carolina, Germany, Romania or Bulgaria, and finally Brazil. He traveled under his real name with his own passport and was chased by [[U.S. Marshals]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=13 May 2009|title=Accused child molester caught after international manhunt|url=https://www.wistv.com/story/10355664/accused-child-molester-caught-after-international-manhunt|access-date=2021-03-17|website=WIS News 10 (WISTV.com)|language=en-US}}</ref>

On February 11, 2009, the United States District Court, Southern District of California issued a federal arrest warrant for Yaffe, and on April 11, Yaffe was profiled on the television show ''[[America's Most Wanted]]''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Diplomatic Security Locates and Returns A Fugitive From Brazil|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/m/ds/rls/123280.htm|access-date=2012-05-17|publisher=State.gov}}</ref> Brazilian federal police caught him on May 11, and he was returned to the United States the next day, where he faced 20 counts in San Diego of child sexual assault, kidnapping, production of child pornography, and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Page|first=Eric S.|date=12 May 2009|title=2nd Suspect In Baby Sitter/Molest Case Busted|url=https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/2nd-suspect-in-babsittermolestatporn-case-arrested/1895553/|access-date=2021-03-17|website=NBC 7 San Diego|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last=Littlefield|first=Dana|date=5 August 2010|title=Child molester sentenced to 45 years to life|url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-child-molester-sentenced-45-years-life-2010aug05-story.html|access-date=2021-03-17|website=San Diego Union-Tribune|language=en-US}}</ref> He initially pled not guilty, and his bail was set at $5 million.<ref>{{Cite web|date=22 July 2009|title=San Diego man accused of paying babysitters to bring him children to molest|url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2009/07/22/san-diego-man-accused-of-paying-babysitters-to-bring-him-children-to-molest/|access-date=2021-03-17|website=The Mercury News|language=en-US}}</ref>

A year after his capture, Yaffe pled guilty to several counts and was sentenced to 45 years to life in prison,<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web|publisher=Court of Appeals of California, Fourth District, Division One.|date=4 January 2012|title=People v. Yaffe {{!}} No. D057923. {{!}} 20120104048|url=https://www.leagle.com/decision/incaco20120104048|access-date=2021-03-17|website=Leagle|language=en}}</ref> while a babysitter who had provided a child to him also pled guilty and was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison.<ref name=":1" />

On September 19, 2009, special agents from DSS located Derrick Yancey, a former deputy sheriff from [[DeKalb County, Georgia]], in [[Punta Gorda, Belize]]. Yancey was wanted in Georgia for double murder of his wife Linda Yancey and a day laborer.

On November 23, 2009, DSS special agents from the U.S. Embassy's [[Regional Security Office]] (RSO) worked closely with the [[U.S. Marshals Service]], Guatemalan National Police, and [[INTERPOL]] to locate alleged murder suspect 24-year-old Ariel Beau Patrick, who was taken into custody in Guatemala. Ariel Patrick was featured on America's Most Wanted.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/m/ds/rls/132450.htm |title=DSS Agents help locate a fugitive from justice in Guatemala |publisher=State.gov |access-date=2012-05-17}}</ref>

On April 26, 2010, after failing to check in with pretrial services within two days of his April 21 hearing on his bond status, [[Andrew Warren]] 42, was apprehended by a combined team of [[Norfolk Police Department]] Fugitive Investigators, DSS special agents and [[U.S. Marshals]]. Judge Ellen S. Huvelle of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issued a bench warrant for the arrest of the former CIA officer.<ref>{{cite news |last=Stein |first=Jeff |url=http://blog.washingtonpost.com/spy-talk/2010/04/report_fugitive_former_cia_off.html |title=Former CIA Station Chief arrested |publisher=Blog.washingtonpost.com |date=2010-04-26 |access-date=2012-05-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312055558/http://blog.washingtonpost.com/spy-talk/2010/04/report_fugitive_former_cia_off.html |archive-date=2012-03-12 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Cole |first=Matthew |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/cia-star-andrew-warren-arrested-hotel-drug-paraphernalia/story?id=10481813 |title=Former CIA spy arrested |publisher=Abcnews.go.com |date=2010-04-27 |access-date=2012-05-17}}</ref>

On July 30, 2010, special agents from DSS located fugitive George Alvin Viste in Peru. Viste was wanted in Clark County, Washington, on seven different criminal charges including the rape of a child, child molestation, and incest. “Diplomatic Security’s [[Regional Security Office]] in Lima worked closely with the [[U.S. Marshals Service]] and our law enforcement counterparts (INTERPOL) in Peru to locate Viste,” said Jeffrey W. Culver, Director of the Diplomatic Security Service.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/m/ds/rls/146084.htm |title=Diplomatic Security Press Release |publisher=State.gov |date=2010-08-19 |access-date=2012-05-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://elcomercio.pe/tag/171695/george-alvin-viste |title=Peruvian press release with video |publisher=Elcomercio.pe |access-date=2012-05-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scanpix.no/spWebApp/preview.action;jsessionid=761BD2DCD8C7360F25C4DC50C7E8C8EA.tomcatA?search.offset=35&search.rid=41421&search.rbase=DV&search.showNumResults=20&search.pictureOrientation=all&search.onCd=false&search.baseId=100&search.searchId=1058410522&search.previewNumResults=15949&search.roundedOffset=20&search.tabId=video |title=Reuters images |language=no |publisher=Scanpix.no |date=2012-01-09 |access-date=2012-05-17}}</ref>

On October 8, 2010, DSS agents located Dario Sarimiento Tomas in Pampanga, Philippines. DSS worked with Philippine officials to apprehend Tomas, who was wanted in South Korea on charges that he defrauded an individual there of more than $200,000. Tomas was arrested by law enforcement officials from the Philippine National Bureau of Investigations and National Police. Tomas was assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Seoul as a Customs and Border Protection Officer.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/m/ds/rls/150174.htm |title=Diplomatic Security Press Release |publisher=State.gov |date=2010-10-29 |access-date=2012-05-17}}</ref>

On February 3, 2011, Paul Eischeid, a fugitive and member of the [[Hells Angels]] who had eluded [[U.S. Marshals]] for nearly eight years, was arrested. The accused murderer was arrested in Buenos Aires. An Interpol Red Notice, as well as investigations by the U.S. Marshals Service and DSS in Argentina led to his capture.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.amw.com/fugitives/case.cfm?id=27946 |title=Americas Most Wanted AMW |publisher=Amw.com |access-date=2012-05-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120501211426/http://www.amw.com/fugitives/case.cfm?id=27946 |archive-date=2012-05-01 }}</ref>

On October 5, 2011, in cooperation with the U.S. Marshals Montana Violent Offender Task Force and Belize Police, DSS arrested Michael Patrick McNulty on a $100,000 warrant issued by the state of Montana.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://billingsgazette.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/article_683b5cd7-4cdc-5dac-93bf-9ef95a67679e.html |title=Montana Fugitive arrested in Belize |publisher=Billingsgazette.com |date=2011-10-07 |access-date=2012-05-17}}</ref>

On November 7, 2012, [[U.S. Marshals Service]] (USMS) announces the capture of John Earl Gorham. The U.S. Parole Commission issued an arrest warrant for Gorham on Oct. 17, regarding the subject's original conviction of sodomy, kidnapping and assault with the intent to commit sodomy. Gorham was convicted and sentenced to 35 years on these charges.

Gorham was arrested for being drunk in public and for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old female at a Chantilly High School football game. The USMS and task force partners from the Diplomatic Security Service located Gorham at his residence on Church Lane in Bowie, MD.

The subject was arrested without incident and turned over to the U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia for prosecution.

On April 20, 2013, in coordination with Nicaraguan authorities, the FBI's Panama City Legal Attaché Office and the Diplomatic Security's Regional Security Office of the U.S. Embassy in Managua located Eric Justin Toth in Esteli, Nicaragua, where he was placed into custody. His arrest was the result of an exhaustive and well coordinated investigation by the FBI's Washington Field Office, the FBI legal attaché, and special agents of the Diplomatic Security Service assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Managua.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://www.fbi.gov/washingtondc/press-releases/2013/fbi-top-ten-fugitive-now-in-custody|title=FBI Top Ten Fugitive Now in Custody }}</ref>

In May 2022, yoga instructor Kaitlin Armstrong fled the United States to Costa Rica. Accused of murdering cyclist Anna Moriah Wilson, Armstrong attempted to evade arrest by hiding in Santa Teresa, a small Costa Rican town popular with surfers and yoga enthusiasts. DSS investigators conducted an exhaustive search for Armstrong, eventually locating her. Costa Rican tourist officials arrested Armstrong. Two U.S. Marshals flew into Costa Rica to assist with the final elements of the investigation, and to help return her to the United States.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rateshtari |first=Roya |date=2022-07-06 |title=Kaitlin Armstrong Captured in Costa Rica {{!}} U.S. Marshals Service |url=https://www.usmarshals.gov/news/press-release/kaitlin-armstrong-captured-costa-rica |access-date=2025-01-29 |website=www.usmarshals.gov |language=en-US}}</ref> In November 2023, Texas jury sentenced Armstrong to 90 years in federal prison for the murder of Wilson.<ref>{{Cite news |agency=Associated Press |date=2023-11-18 |title=Killer of pro cyclist Anna Moriah Wilson sentenced to 90 years |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/nov/18/killer-of-pro-cyclist-anna-moriah-wilson-sentenced-to-90-years |access-date=2025-01-29 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

== Overseas mission ==

=== Regional Security Officer (RSO) ===
[[File:160401-N-UJ417-075 DSS FASTEUR Embassy Belgrade.jpg|thumb|A DSS assistant regional security officer (left) and a Marine with [[Marine Corps Security Force Regiment#Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team (FAST) companies|Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team Europe]] during an exercise at the [[Embassy of the United States, Belgrade|U.S. embassy in Belgrade]]]]
The DSS presence overseas is led at each embassy and consulate by a DSS special agent known as a [[Regional Security Officer|regional security officer]] (RSO), who is in charge of the [[Regional Security Office]], and serves as the senior law enforcement advisor and security attaché to the U.S. ambassador.

Like all members of the [[United States Foreign Service|Foreign Service]], DSS agents cannot remain posted in the U.S. for more than six consecutive years and must eventually be assigned to an overseas post.<ref name="P.L. 96-465">{{cite web|date=13 October 2008|title=Foreign Service Act of 1980 – Public Law 96-465 Sec.504|url=http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/400/fsa.pdf|access-date=13 October 2008|archive-date=19 November 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031119001121/http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/400/fsa.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> Once assigned overseas, a DSS agent will typically serve first as a special agent called an assistant regional security officer (ARSO) in a regional security office. Agents who enjoy the overseas lifestyle will try to get a second tour in a special agent slot at a large embassy, or possibly serve as a regional security officer (RSO) at a small post or as a deputy regional security officer (DRSO) at a medium-sized post. Usually after two back-to-back overseas tours, agents will be encouraged to return to the U.S. and serve in a headquarters position before returning overseas as a regional security officer.

DSS has many special agents who serve as overseas criminal investigators (OCIs). These agents work out of the [[consular]] sections of embassies and consulates instead of the regional security offices.

It is possible at larger overseas missions with multiple diplomatic facilities located in the same country to have multiple agents with the regional security officer title. India, for example, has an RSO position at the embassy at the Senior Foreign Service level and four other RSOs at the consulates at the significantly lower grade 3 level yet all of these agents have the same job title.<ref name="RSO Chennai Title">{{cite web |date=14 May 2011 |title=RSO Chennai Title Usage Example |url=http://chennai.usconsulate.gov/rso2.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110530054154/http://chennai.usconsulate.gov/rso2.html |archive-date=May 30, 2011}}</ref><ref name="RSO Mumbai Title">{{cite web |date=14 May 2011 |title=RSO Mumbai Title Usage Example |url=http://mumbai.usconsulate.gov/pneterror0307.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110326200627/http://mumbai.usconsulate.gov/pneterror0307.html |archive-date=March 26, 2011}}</ref><ref name="RSO Hyderabad Title">{{cite web |date=14 May 2011 |title=RSO Hyderabad Title Usage Example |url=http://hyderabad.usconsulate.gov/townhall_mtg_bookedup.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724143202/http://hyderabad.usconsulate.gov/townhall_mtg_bookedup.html |archive-date=July 24, 2011}}</ref> Sometimes the title senior regional security officer will be used to help prevent confusion or to indicate that the agent is the most senior in the country.<ref name="SRSO example Title">{{cite web |date=14 May 2011 |title=SRSO India Usage Example |url=http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov/pr020708.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527133646/http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov/pr020708.html |archive-date=May 27, 2010 |access-date=11 October 2019}}</ref><ref name="SRSO Title">{{cite web |date=14 May 2011 |title=SRSO Usage Examples google results |url=https://www.google.com/#hl=en&sugexp=ldymls&xhr=t&q=%22senior+regional+security+officer%22&cp=34&pf=p&sclient=psy&site=&source=hp&rlz=1R2ACAW_enIN374&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=%22senior+regional+security+officer&fp=e6fa2de19817b8fe&biw=1345&bih=562}}</ref>

There are several other overseas positions filled by DSS agents. At new building construction sites, agents will serve as the site security manager (SSM) where they will supervise the overall security of the new building including the construction security technicians (CST) and cleared American guards (CAG). For construction at posts where there is a critical [[counterintelligence]] (CI) threat, agents will also serve as CI investigators dedicated to preventing compromise of the most sensitive spaces within the new embassy.

It is common for domestically assigned DSS agents to serve temporary duty (TDY) at embassies overseas. Such duty can range from various types of protection duties to RSO support or security training for an overseas post, and may last for as little as a few days to multiple months. Likewise, hundreds of DSS agents assigned overseas travel to New York on TDY to support the [[United Nations General Assembly]] every year.<ref>[https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/follow-special-agents-behind-the-scenes-at-the-u-n-general-assembly/4696559/#:~:text=About%20700%20DSS%20staff%2C%20including,General%20Assembly.="UN General Assembly:Meet the Special Agents - NBC New York]</ref>

DSS agents have often found themselves in harm's way, with four agents and more than a hundred others dying in the line of duty as of April 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=DS Memorial - Honoring Our Fallen |url=https://www.state.gov/2020/04/ds-memorial-honoring-our-fallen |access-date=2025-01-29 |website=United States Department of State |language=en}}</ref> The vast majority of DSS casualties had taken place within the five years in Iraq, where DSS continued to conduct its most critical and dangerous protective missions.

==== Overseas Criminal Investigations Division ====
[[File:Ramzi Yousef.gif|thumb|right|upright|[[Ramzi Yousef]], who was captured by DSS]]The Overseas Criminal Investigations Division manages all DSS investigative forces abroad, namely overseas criminal investigators, DSS special agents responsible for ensuring the integrity of the U.S. passport and visa system.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|last=jimenezla|date=2021-10-01|title=The Overseas Criminal Investigations Division|url=https://statemag.state.gov/2021/10/1021office/|access-date=2021-10-29|website=State Magazine|language=en-US}}</ref>

Embedded in 120 diplomatic posts across 85 countries, there are roughly 130 OCIs who conduct criminal investigations and work with foreign governments to build a global law enforcement network; they maintain formal partnerships and training programs with foreign police, immigration, and customs officials to target a wide range of criminals, including forgers, smugglers, and terrorists.<ref name=":3" />

The division's prevailing goal is to "combat crime where it originates rather than waiting for it to cross U.S. borders."<ref name=":3" />

OCIs have locally employed staff, called criminal fraud investigators and foreign service national investigators, to assist with investigations, locating fugitives, and liaising with host nation counterparts.

With its global partners, OCIs help locate and return an average of 300 fugitives to the U.S. annually; missions have included dismantling major human smuggling networks, identifying criminals involved in child exploitation and pornography, ending international scams, and disrupting suspected terrorist travel.

== Special event security ==
In addition to being posted at U.S. missions around the world, DSS agents have worked closely with their foreign counterparts to secure such events as the 2008 [[Olympic Games]] in [[Beijing]], [[China]], the 2007 [[Pan American Games]] in [[Rio de Janeiro]], [[Brazil]], 2006 [[Winter Olympic Games]] in [[Turin]], [[Italy]]; the 2010 Winter Olympics in [[Vancouver|Vancouver, Canada]],<ref>{{cite news |title=U.S. Diplomatic Security Agents at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Canada |url=https://www.latimes.com/news/nation-and-world/la-na-olympic-security11-2010feb11,0,6684827.story |newspaper= Latimes.com |date= 2010-02-11|first=Kim |last=Murphy}}</ref> 2010 [[FIFA World Cup|World Cup]] Football Matches and a host of other special events.

While the Olympics are the most well-known events, DSS agents have worked with host country security on numerous other large-scale events around the world. For events with a large U.S. presence, such as the Olympics, an Olympic Security Coordinator – always a DSS agent – will be named to manage all of the security and liaison with the host government.

All other federal agencies, such as the [[FBI]], [[Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives|ATF]], [[United States Secret Service|USSS]], and [[United States Department of Defense|DOD]] components, will report to the DSS agent in charge.<ref>{{cite web |title=China, United States Cooperate on Olympic Security |url=http://www.america.gov/st/sports-english/2008/June/20080612145217gmnanahcub0.9042475.html |publisher=America.gov }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |title=Special Agents at the Olympics |journal=Christian Science Monitor |date=August 5, 2008 |url=http://features.csmonitor.com/olympics08/2008/08/05/special-agents-at-the-olympics/ |publisher=Features.csmonitor.com }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=DS Protects |url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/documents/organization/114169.pdf |publisher=State.gov }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=U.S. Diplomatic Security at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Canada |url=https://www.latimes.com/news/nation-and-world/la-na-olympic-security11-2010feb11,0,6684827.story |newspaper=Latimes.com |date= 2010-02-11|first=Kim |last=Murphy}}</ref>

== Hiring process ==
The DSS special agent hiring process is widely regarded as one of the most difficult and challenging within both the federal government and general law enforcement.

It is believed that less than 1% of applicants successfully complete and pass the hiring process. Special agent candidates must successfully pass an intensive multi-stage evaluation process that includes a series of written exams, knowledge-based exams, writing samples, panel interviews, and [[Situational judgement test|situational judgment exercises]]; a physical fitness test (PFT); a comprehensive medical examination granting worldwide availability; and an exhaustive background investigation for [[security clearance]] at the level of [[Classified information in the United States|Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information]] (TS/SCI).

A final suitability review and vote by a Foreign Service panel evaluates a candidate's overall ability to represent the interests of the United States abroad.

All DSS special agents have at least a four-year bachelor's degree, and most have graduate and/or post-graduate degrees. Special Agent candidates must be under the age of 37 at the time of commissioning, unless granted a waiver due to prior military service.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chcoc.gov/Transmittals/TransmittalDetails.aspx?TransmittalID=2484|title=CHCOC|publisher=Chcoc.gov|access-date=2012-05-17|archive-date=2012-08-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120808110540/http://www.chcoc.gov/Transmittals/TransmittalDetails.aspx?TransmittalID=2484|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Training ==
After a new agent candidate is hired, he or she begins a nearly nine-month training program that includes the Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (FLETC) in ; a Basic Special Agent Course (BSAC) at the Diplomatic Security Training Center (DSTC) and Foreign Affairs Security Training Center (FASTC), and courses at the [[Foreign Service Institute]] (FSI) in Arlington, Virginia.

After completion of all initial training, agents are required to pass quarterly re-qualifications on their duty weapons, which include the Glock 19M, Glock 26, Colt Sub Machine Gun, the Mk18 rifle, and Remington 870 shotgun.

A new special agent is assigned to a domestic field office for two to three years before typically taking on an overseas assignment, although an agent can expect to be sent on frequent temporary duty assignments overseas even when assigned to a domestic post.

However, agents may be called overseas much earlier depending on the needs of DSS.

As members of the Foreign Service, DSS special agents spend nearly half of their careers living and working overseas, often in hazardous environments and/or less developed countries throughout the world.[[File:Diplomatic Security Service on the range with M249 SAW.jpg|thumb|right|U.S. Diplomatic Security Service on the range with an M249 Para]][[File:DSS M4 Practice.jpg|thumb|DSS Special Agents with M4s at range]]
* Basic Special Agent Course (BSAC) (including FLETC): 9 months
* Basic Regional Security Office Course (RSO School): 3 months
* Advanced Tactics and Leadership (ATLaS): 11 weeks
* Language Training: 2–12 months per language
* Basic Field Firearms Officer Course (BFFOC): 2 weeks
* High Risk Environment Firearms Course (HREFC): 3 days

== Weapons ==
When assigned to the United States, special agents are authorized to carry firearms both on and off duty. When assigned overseas, they are authorized to carry firearms when approved by the chief of mission<ref name="DSSgun">{{cite web|url=http://www.specwarnet.net/taclink/Federal/dos_msd.htm |title=US Department of State Mobile Security Division |publisher=Specwarnet.net |date=1985-11-04 |access-date=2012-05-17}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" width="100%" border="0"
! width="25%" |Name
! width="25%" |Country of origin
! width="25%" |Type
!Status
|-
|[[Smith & Wesson Model 19]]
|{{Flag|United States}}
|[[Revolver]]<ref name="DSSgun" />
| rowspan="6" |Retired
|-
|[[SIG Sauer P226|SIG P228]]
| rowspan="2" |{{Flag|Germany}}
| rowspan="2" |[[Semi-automatic pistol]]
|-
|[[SIG Sauer P226|SIG P229]]
|-
|[[Uzi submachine gun|Uzi]] 
|{{Flag|Israel}}
| rowspan="2" |[[Submachine gun]]
|-
|[[Colt 9mm SMG|Colt SMG]]
| rowspan="2" |{{Flag|United States}}
|-
|[[Ruger Mini-14]]
|[[Carbine]]
|-
|[[Glock|Glock 19M]]
| rowspan="2" |{{Flag|Austria}}
| rowspan="2" |[[Semi-automatic pistol]]
| rowspan="4" |Standard issue
|-
|[[Glock|Glock 26]]
|-
|[[Remington 870]]
| rowspan="2" |{{Flag|United States}}
|[[Shotgun]]
|-
|[[Smith & Wesson M&P15|Colt M4]]
|[[Assault rifle]]
|-
|[[Heckler & Koch MP5]]
|{{Flag|Germany}}
|[[Submachine gun]]
| rowspan="6" |Additional issue
|-
|[[Close Quarters Battle Receiver]]
| rowspan="5" |{{Flag|United States}}
|[[Assault rifle]]
|-
|[[M249 light machine gun]] 
|[[Squad Automatic Weapon|Squad automatic weapon]]
|-
|[[M240 machine gun]] 
|[[General-purpose machine gun]]
|-
|[[M203 grenade launcher]]
|[[Grenade launcher]]
|-
|[[M2 Browning]] 
|[[Heavy machine gun]]
|}
These and other weapons systems may be employed by DSS special agents assigned to high-threat locations. The agents going to those locations attend additional training (ATLaS/HTOC) in these weapons before they are deployed.

== Leadership ==
=== Bureau of Secret Intelligence directors ===
Also known as '''Office of the Chief Special Agent'''.
* [[Robert Lansing]] (1916), Secretary of State exercising direct control over the Bureau of Secret Intelligence
* [[Leland Harrison]] (1916), Special Assistant who reports to the deputy secretary of state (Counselor – [[Frank L. Polk]])
* Joseph Nye (1917–1920), first chief special agent
* [[Robert C. Bannerman]] (1920–1940), father of future SY director
* Thomas F. Fitch (1940–1947)

=== Office of Security directors ===
* [[Robert L. Bannerman]] (1945–1947), father of third generation SY/DS agent
* Donald Nicholson (1948–1952)
* John Ford (1952–1953)
* Dennis Flinn (1953–1956)
* [[E. Tomlin Bailey]] (1956–1958)
* [[William O. Boswell]] (1958–1962), father of future DS assistant secretary of state [[Eric J. Boswell]]
** [[Otto Otepka]], deputy director (1959–1962)
* [[John Francis Reilly]] (1962–1963)
* [[G. Marvin Gentile]] (1964–1974)<!-- <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1P2-866897.html |access-date=May 28, 2009 }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> --> former FBI special agent and CIA security officer<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-866897.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026080110/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-866897.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2012-10-26|title=U.S. Official G. Marvin Gentile Dies}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itoday.ru/2067.html |title=ref |publisher=Itoday.ru |access-date=2012-05-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090903065000/http://itoday.ru/2067.html |archive-date=September 3, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[Viktor Dikeos]] (1974–1978)
* [[Karl Ackerman]] (1978–1982), former SY special agent and FBI special agent
* [[Marvin Garrett]] (1982–1983)
* [[David C. Fields]] (1984–1985)
*David A. Boling (SY special agent and diplomatic officer)

=== DSS directors ===

The director of the DSS is also the principal deputy assistant secretary of state for the [[Bureau of Diplomatic Security]], reporting to an [[United States Assistant Secretary of State|assistant secretary of state]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.state.gov/leadership-bureau-of-diplomatic-security/|title=Leadership – Bureau of Diplomatic Security|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602223828/https://www.state.gov/leadership-bureau-of-diplomatic-security/|archive-date=June 2, 2019}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|+List of DSS directors
!Name
!Term Dates
!Notes
|-
|David C. Fields
|1985–1986
|
|-
|Louis Schwartz, Jr.
|1986–1988
|
|-
|Clark M. Ditmer
|1988–1993
|
|-
|Mark E. Mulvey
|1993–1996
|
|-
|Gregorie Bujac
|1996–1998
|
|-
|Peter E. Bergin
|1998–2003
|
|-
|Joe D. Morton
|2003–2007
|son of former DSS Director
|-
|[[Gregory B. Starr]]
|2007–2009
|
|-
|Patrick D. Donovan
|2009
|
|-
|Jeffrey W. Culver
|2009–2011
|
|-
|Scott Bultrowicz
|2011–2012
|
|-
|[[Gregory B. Starr]]
|Feb 1, 2013 – November 17, 2013
|Was reappointed as director on February 1, 2013, to enable him to serve as acting Assistant Secretary pending formal nomination and confirmation.
|-
|Bill Miller
|April 14, 2014 – July 27, 2017
|
|-
|Christian J. Schurman
|November 28, 2017 – May 31, 2019?
|
|-
|Todd J. Brown
|March 3, 2018 – July 2020<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.state.gov/biographies/todd-j-brown/|title=Todd J. Brown|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218015852/https://www.state.gov/biographies/todd-j-brown/|archive-date=December 18, 2019}}</ref>
|
|-
|[[Carlos Matus]]
|July 2020 – incumbent
|
|}

== Fatalities ==
Since the establishment of the Diplomatic Security Service, four special agents have died in the line of duty.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.odmp.org/agency/3957-united-states-department-of-state---diplomatic-security-service-u.s.-government |title=The Officer Down Memorial Page |publisher=Odmp.org |access-date=2012-05-17}}</ref> As of March 2016, a further 133 locally engaged DSS staff, host country law enforcement personnel and members of the US military had been killed while undertaking diplomatic security duties.<ref>{{cite web|title=Diplomatic Security Memorial|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/m/ds/memorial|publisher=US Department of State|access-date=19 March 2016}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|United States}}
* [[Bureau of Diplomatic Security bibliography]]
* [[Europol]]
* [[Federal Protective Service (Russia)|Federal Protective Service (FSO)]], a Russian service that among other security activities provides protection to [[state visits]]
* [[Mobile Security Deployments|Office of Mobile Security Deployments (MSD)]], Diplomatic Security Service's tactical unit
* [[Office of the Inspector General of the Department of State]]
* [[Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection]], a British police unit providing protection to foreign diplomats and heads of state visiting the UK, part of the [[Metropolitan Police Service]]
* [[United States Border Patrol|U.S. Border Patrol]]
* [[Marine Security Guard]]
* [[United States Army Counterintelligence]] (USACI)

'''Military Criminal Investigative Organizations'''
* [[Air Force Office of Special Investigations]] (AFOSI or OSI)
* [[Naval Criminal Investigative Service]] (NCIS)
* [[United States Army Criminal Investigation Command]] (USACIDC or CID)
* [[Coast Guard Investigative Service]] (CGIS)

==Notes==
{{reflist|group=Note}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}
* [http://2001-2009.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2003/18085.htm 2001–2009.state.gov]
* {{cite book|first=Samuel M.|last=Katz|title=Relentless Pursuit: The DSS and the Manhunt for the Al-Qaeda Terrorists|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=P4Lo47D7PAIC|year=2003|publisher=Tom Doherty Associates|isbn=978-1-4668-2524-6}}
* [https://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2012/12/22/diplomatic-securitys-top-agent-leaves-office-after-scathing-benghazi-report-the-director-of-the-security-service-is-among-those-ousted-from-office-following-a-review-into-the-benghazi-attacks-sources-say usnews.com]

==External links==
{{Commons}}
<!-- do not put new links here, please put them in the article Bureau of Diplomatic Security Bibliography -->
* [https://www.facebook.com/pages/US-Department-of-State-Diplomatic-Security-Service-Unofficial/1430604373830929 DSS Facebook Page]
* [http://vk.com/album-30272167_146332401 Photos]
* [http://www.diplomaticsecuritywiki.com/ Diplomatic Security Wiki]

{{Federal law enforcement agencies of the United States}}
{{authority control}}

[[Category:Bureau of Diplomatic Security]]
[[Category:Specialist law enforcement agencies of the United States]]