U.S. Department of State

State Dept Photo/Apr 25, 2009
Diplomatic Security special agents (left and right) protect U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as she walks with U.S. Ambassador Christopher R. Hill on the grounds of the new U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, April 25, 2009.

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

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