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Bureau of Diplomatic Security

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In 1916, Secretary of State Robert Lansing appointed the U.S. Department of State’s first special agents as part of World War I-era security measures. Today, the men and women of the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) continue their work as part of a global force providing a safe and secure environment for the conduct of U.S. foreign policy.  (U.S. Department of State graphic).

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 31 U.S. cities and more than 160 foreign countries, DS ensures that America can conduct diplomacy safely and securely. DS plays a vital role in protecting 275 U.S. diplomatic missions and their personnel overseas, securing critical information systems, investigating passport and visa fraud, and fighting the war on terror.

Date: 11/07/2011 Description: DS History images - State Dept Image

History of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security

Explore the origins and read about the people and key moments of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security as presented in this official, comprehensive history.

Date: 06/06/2016 Description: Cover of Diplomatic Security 2015 Year in Review showing faces of DS personnel. (U.S. Department of State image) - State Dept Image

Diplomatic Security 2015 Annual Report

Learn more about the Bureau of Diplomatic Security in the 2015 DS Year In Review.

Read the 2006-2015 edition of Diplomatic Security's Significant Attacks Against U.S. Diplomatic Facilities and Personnel:
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-Text-only Version

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

DS History Photos

View the "Diplomatic Security Pictorial History," a collection of photos depicting key moments and people in DS's history.

Date: 12/01/2016 Description: Cover of Diplomatic Security Service's publication, ''2015 Political Violence Against Americans'', showing protesters outside the U.S. Embassy in Manila struggling with Philippines police officers and throwing red paint onto the U.S. Great Seal at the embassy's entrance. - State Dept Image

Political Violence Against Americans

Read the 2015 edition of Diplomatic Security's Political Violence Against Americans report.