What is the US Department of State Bureau of Diplomatic Security?

The Bureau of Diplomatic Security, commonly known as Diplomatic Security (DS), is the security branch of the United States Department of State. It conducts international investigations, threat analysis, cyber security, counterterrorism, and protection of people, property, and information. Its mission is to provide a safe and secure environment for officials to execute the foreign policy of the United States.

What is DSS? The Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) is the federal law enforcement and security arm of the Department of State. Tasked with securing U.S. diplomacy and protecting the integrity of U.S. travel documents, DSS has the largest global reach of any U.S. federal law enforcement agency, with offices in 33 U.S. cities and in more than 270 locations around the world.

What is the difference between DS and DSS? The Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS) is the overarching organization, while the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) is the operational law enforcement arm of the Bureau. Think of DS as the policy and strategic body, and DSS as the agents and professionals carrying out the work, including protecting U.S. officials, investigating fraud, and providing global security for American diplomatic missions. The terms are often used interchangeably, but the DSS is the specific service that employs the special agents who conduct security and law enforcement functions under the direction of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security. 

Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS)

  • What it is:

    The federal law enforcement and security bureau within the U.S. Department of State. 

  • Role:

    It provides the overall leadership and framework for worldwide security and law enforcement efforts to advance U.S. foreign policy and safeguard national security interests. 

  • Responsibilities:

    Leads international investigations, threat analysis, cybersecurity, counterterrorism, security technology, and personnel and information security. 

Diplomatic Security Service (DSS)

  • What it is:

    The specific force within the Bureau of DS that includes over 2,000 special agents, diplomatic couriers, and other specialists. 

  • Role:

    The operational law enforcement and security agency that carries out the Bureau's mission. 

  • Responsibilities: 

    • Protection: Securing visiting foreign dignitaries, high-ranking officials, and U.S. diplomatic missions and personnel abroad. 

    • Investigations: Investigating passport and visa fraud, as well as human trafficking, espionage, and other crimes. 

    • Security: Protecting information, property, and vital security systems. 

    • Personnel: Conducting personnel security investigations and managing the Diplomatic Courier Service. 

In summary: DS is the "political face" and parent organization, while DSS is the force of agents who perform the hands-on security and law enforcement duties. 

For more info, visit the About Us page of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security website: https://www.state.gov/about-us-bureau-of-diplomatic-security