U.S. Department of State - Great Seal

U.S. Department of State

Diplomacy in Action

Bureau of Diplomatic Security


Date: 02/04/2013 Location: Suburban Washington, D.C. Description: U.S. Secretary of State John F. Kerry (second from right) is surrounded by four DS special agents as he steps out of his vehicle for a meeting at Diplomatic Security headquarters in suburban Washington, D.C., February 4, 2013. (U.S. Department of State photo) - State Dept Image
U.S. Secretary of State John F. Kerry (second from right) is surrounded by four DS special agents as he steps out of his vehicle for a meeting at Diplomatic Security headquarters in suburban Washington, D.C., February 4, 2013. (U.S. Department of State photo)

The Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS) is the security and law enforcement arm of the U.S. Department of State. DS is a world leader in international investigations, threat analysis, cyber security, counterterrorism, security technology, and protection of people, property, and information.

The Bureau is responsible for providing a safe and secure environment for the conduct of U.S. foreign policy. Every diplomatic mission in the world operates under a security program designed and maintained by Diplomatic Security. In the United States, Diplomatic Security personnel protect the Secretary of State and high-ranking foreign dignitaries and officials visiting the United States, investigates passport and visa fraud, and conducts personnel security investigations. Operating from a global platform in 25 U.S. cities and 159 foreign countries, DS ensures that America can conduct diplomacy safely and securely. DS plays a vital role in protecting U.S. embassies and personnel overseas, securing critical information systems, investigating passport and visa fraud, and fighting the war on terror.


History of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security Date: 11/07/2011 Description: DS History images - State Dept Image
Explore the origins and read about the people and key moments of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security as presented in this official, comprehensive history.


Diplomatic Security 2011 Annual Report
Date: 05/07/2012 Description: 2011 DS image of Annual Report cover - State Dept Image
Learn more about the Bureau of Diplomatic Security in the 2011 DS Year In Review.

DS History Photos

Date: 1917 Description: 1917: The first Chief Special Agent of the U.S. Department of State, Joseph M. Nye, is appointed by U.S. Secretary of State Robert Lansing in 1917 and serves until 1920. His principal duty initially is to monitor enemy diplomatic activities in Washington and to protect foreign dignitaries visiting the United States, during the period of the First World War. (Source: Library of Congress) © Library of Congress
View the "Diplomatic Security Pictorial History," a collection of photos depicting key moments and people in DS's history.

Violence Against Americans
Date: 05/22/2012 Description: Cover of Diplomatic Security's Political Violence Against Americans 2011 report. - State Dept Image
Read the 2011 edition of Diplomatic Security's Political Violence Against Americans.

 

 

 


Sign-in

Do you already have an account on one of these sites? Click the logo to sign in and create your own customized State Department page. Want to learn more? Check out our FAQ!

OpenID is a service that allows you to sign in to many different websites using a single identity. Find out more about OpenID and how to get an OpenID-enabled account.