Diplomatic Security Service

Diplomatic Security Service
Seal of the Diplomatic Security Service
DSS Special Agent badge
Abbreviation	DSS
Agency overview
Formed	1916: Bureau of Secret Intelligence 1945: Office of Security 1985: Diplomatic Security Service
Jurisdictional structure
Operations jurisdiction	United States
Operational structure
Headquarters	Washington, D.C.
Agents	2,200+ (Authorized) <2000 (2022)
Assistant secretary responsible	Gentry O. Smith, Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security
Agency executive	Carlos Matus, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and Director
Parent agency	Bureau of Diplomatic Security of the U.S. Department of State
Tactical units	Mobile Security Deployments
Facilities
Field offices	8
Resident offices	15
Overseas offices	285
Website
diplomaticsecurity.state.gov

The Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) is the principal law enforcement and security agency of the United States Department of State (DOS).^[1][2] As the operational division of DOS Bureau of Diplomatic Security, its primary mission is to provide security to protect diplomatic assets, personnel, and information, and combat transnational crimes connected to visa and passport fraud. DSS also conducts counterterrorism, counterintelligence, cybersecurity and criminal investigations domestically and abroad.

Originating in diplomatic security measures implemented during the First World War, DSS was formally established in 1985 following the deadly 1983 bombings of the U.S. embassy and Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon.^[3] It is the leading U.S. law enforcement agency abroad and the most widely deployed in the world, protecting 275 U.S. diplomatic missions in over 170 countries and 29 U.S. cities.^[4] As employees of the U.S. State Department, DSS special agents are unique in U.S. federal law enforcement for also being members of the Foreign Service.

DSS' most visible activity is providing security to the U.S. Secretary of State, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and other senior diplomats. As part of its duty to provide a safe and secure environment for U.S. diplomacy, DSS also protects foreign dignitaries, advises U.S. ambassadors on security matters, and manages security programs for international events, often in cooperation with domestic and foreign counterparts.^[5]