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Bureau of Diplomatic Security

State Dept Image/Jul 27, 2009/Washington, D.C.
Date: 07/27/2009 Location: Washington, D.C. Description: A Diplomatic Security special agent (rear center with sunglasses) monitors onlookers as U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (right) and Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo (left) enter the State Department headquarters building July 27, 2009 for talks as part of the inaugural U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue. (U.S. Department of State Photo) © State Dept Image

A Diplomatic Security special agent (rear center with sunglasses) monitors onlookers as U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (right) and Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo (left) enter the State Department headquarters building July 27,  2009 for talks as part of the inaugural U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue. (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.

Led by Eric J. Boswell, the Bureau of Diplomatic Security 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.


Diplomatic Security 2008 Annual Report Now Available

Date: 04/07/2009 Description: Cover of Diplomatic Security 2008 Year in Review. © U.S. Department of State

Learn more about the Bureau of Diplomatic Security in the 2008 DS Year In Review, now available online.

 
8 People, Law Firm, Property Company Charged With Alien Smuggling, Visa Fraud
HandcuffsDS participates in a multi-agency investigation that results in eight individuals and two businesses being charged with alien smuggling and visa fraud.


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 CongressThe new "Diplomatic Security Pictorial History", a collection of photos depicting key moments and people in DS's history, is now online.


DS Assists Arrest of Fugitive in Philippines
HandcuffsDS agents help locate a U.S. fugitive hiding out in the Philippines.


Woman Convicted On Fraud, ID Theft Charges
Photo of prison cell block.A DS investigation contributes to the conviction of a Florida woman on passport fraud and identity theft charges.


Man Sentenced in Passport Fraud Case
Photo of prison cell block.A DS-led passport and ID theft investigation results in the conviction and sentencing of a man who sold counterfeit New York City birth certificates.


DS Accepting Applications for Security Technical Specialists
The Bureau of Diplomatic Security is now
accepting applications for the position of Security Technical Specialist.


New Violence Against Americans Report Available
Date: 06/17/2009 Description: Image of the cover of Diplomatic Security has released the 2008 edition of Political Violence Against Americans, produced by the Bureau’s Directorate of Threat Investigations and Analysis.
Library of Congress/Mar 31, 1905
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

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