Bureau of Diplomatic Security

 
Date: 01/29/2010 Description: Two DS special agents from the U.S. Embassy in Lima assist Peruvian authorities in the evacuation January 27, 2010 of residents and tourists, including U.S. citizens, from the famed ancient Incan citadel of Machu Picchu after heavy rains, mudslides, and severe flooding hit the region. (U.S. Department of State Photo) - State Dept Image
Two DS special agents from the U.S. Embassy in Lima assist Peruvian authorities in the evacuation January 29, 2010 of residents and tourists, including U.S. citizens, from the famed ancient Incan citadel of Machu Picchu after heavy rains, mudslides, and severe flooding hit the region. (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
Date: 04/07/2009 Description: Cover of Diplomatic Security 2008 Year in Review. © U.S. Department of State

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

Violence Against Americans

Date: 06/17/2009 Description: Image of the cover of the 2008 Violence Against Americans report

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

View the "Diplomatic Security Pictorial History," a collection of photos depicting key moments and people in DS's history. Read the 2008 edition of Diplomatic Security's Political Violence Against Americans.

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