Legal Definitions - Bureau of Diplomatic Security

The Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS) is a specialized law enforcement and security agency operating within the U.S. Department of State. Its core responsibility is to protect American diplomats, personnel, facilities, and national security information both within the United States and at U.S. diplomatic missions across the globe. This involves designing and implementing comprehensive security programs, providing protective services, and ensuring the secure transport of sensitive materials.

Here are some examples illustrating the work of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security:

• Protecting Embassy Personnel: During a period of political instability in a foreign capital, the U.S. Ambassador receives credible threats. The Bureau of Diplomatic Security would immediately deploy additional security agents to enhance the Ambassador's personal protection detail, reinforce security at the embassy compound, and coordinate with local authorities to mitigate potential risks to all American staff and visitors.

  This example demonstrates DS's role in developing and implementing security programs specifically for diplomats and American interests worldwide, directly addressing threats to personnel safety.

• Secure Transport of Classified Information: A highly sensitive intelligence report, crucial for national security, needs to be delivered from the State Department headquarters in Washington D.C. to a U.S. military command overseas. The Bureau of Diplomatic Security would utilize its Diplomatic Courier Service, employing specially trained couriers who hand-carry the classified document under strict protocols, ensuring its integrity and preventing any unauthorized access throughout its international journey.

  This illustrates DS's operation of the Diplomatic Courier Service and its critical function in supervising the secure transportation of classified documents and materials.

• Establishing New Mission Security: When the U.S. government plans to open a new consulate in a region with known security challenges, the Bureau of Diplomatic Security conducts a thorough threat assessment of the proposed location. Based on this assessment, they design and oversee the installation of advanced physical security measures, such as reinforced perimeters, surveillance systems, and safe rooms, and provide specialized security training to both American and locally employed staff before the consulate becomes operational.

  This highlights DS's proactive involvement in developing comprehensive security programs for American interests worldwide, encompassing facility design, technology integration, and personnel training to safeguard new diplomatic missions.