Law Enforcement and 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 29 U.S. cities and more than 170 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, and 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.

DS Special Agents are sworn federal law enforcement officers and specially trained Foreign Service security professionals. While serving overseas as a Regional Security Officer, a DS Special Agent advises the U.S. Ambassador on all security matters and manages a complex range of security programs designed to protect personnel, facilities, and information. DS Special Agents protect the U.S. Secretary of State and visiting foreign dignitaries, investigate passport and visa fraud, and conduct personnel security investigations.

The William D. Clarke, Sr. Diplomatic Security (Clarke DS) Fellowship is a path to an exciting and fulfilling career in the Foreign Service as a Diplomatic Security Service Special Agent. The program is a two-year graduate fellowship designed for individuals who want to pursue a master’s degree and a career as a Diplomatic Security Service Special Agent in the Foreign Service. Learn More! 

Security Engineering Officers provide technical security support and engineering expertise to protect U.S. Foreign Service posts overseas and in domestic locations. Responsibilities include working with all aspects of security systems – from design, development and analysis to installation and testing. Security Engineering Officers conduct security assessments for U.S. overseas missions, conduct technical surveillance countermeasure inspections, implement computer security measures, and support dignitary travel.

Security Technical Specialists provide support and assist in worldwide technical security programs which provide protection for U.S. Department of State facilities and personnel from technical espionage, acts of terrorism, and crime. Their work is incredibly varied – managing projects and people, supporting dignitary travel, exploring the use of new technology, and installing, maintaining, and repairing a vast array of complex technical security equipment.

Diplomatic Couriers travel throughout the far reaches of the world to ensure the safe and secure transfer of diplomatic pouches containing classified and sensitive materials. It is not unusual for pouch shipments to contain thousands of pounds of equipment and construction materials bound for sensitive posts. With travel and independence highlighting their careers, Diplomatic Couriers accept the challenges as well as the benefits of serving under all kinds of conditions.

The Bureau of Diplomatic Security has a dedicated cadre of Civil Service employees who work in a variety of disciplines. In addition to administration, personnel, and procurement, Diplomatic Security has security specialists who work in the areas of facility protection, investigation, information management, and training.

For Civil Service career opportunities within the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, please visit: U.S. Department of State Civil Service Opportunities.

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