About the Bureau of Diplomatic Security
“We are a global force that provides a safe and
secure environment for the conduct of U.S. foreign policy.”
The Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS) is the law enforcement and security arm of the U.S. Department of State. Operating from a global platform in 31 U.S. cities and more than 160 foreign countries, DS ensures the United States can safely and securely conduct diplomacy. DS is a world leader in the protection of people, property, and information – international investigations, threat analysis, cyber security, counterterrorism, security technology.
Every diplomatic mission in the world operates under a security program that DS designs and manages. In addition, DS protects the U.S. Secretary of State 24/7 and high-ranking foreign dignitaries and officials who visit the United States. DS plays a vital role in protecting more than 270 U.S. diplomatic missions and their personnel overseas, securing critical information systems, conducting personnel security investigations, and fighting the war on terror. In both global and domestic locations, DS investigates passport and visa fraud, contributing to maintaining the safety and security of U.S. borders.
As members of the Foreign Service, DS has more than 2,500 Special Agents, Security Engineering Officers, Security Technical Specialists, and Diplomatic Couriers working and traveling worldwide, sometimes with little to no advance notice and often in challenging environments. Major field offices in the United States are located in Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; Houston, Texas; Los Angeles, California; Miami, Florida; New York, New York; San Francisco, California; and Washington, D.C.
No matter which professional, academic or personal path you have taken in life, you can turn your unique perspectives and law enforcement, technical, or engineering skills into an exciting public service career. To learn more about our work, visit the Bureau of Diplomatic Security.