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The Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) is the federal law enforcement and security arm of the Department of State. Tasked with securing diplomacy and protecting the integrity of U.S. travel documents, DSS has the largest global reach of any U.S. federal law enforcement agency, with offices in 29 U.S. cities and in more than 270 locations around the world.

Law Enforcement

With a network of investigators in the United States and around the world, DSS investigates passport and visa fraud – federal felonies often committed in connection with other crimes. These investigations are critical to securing U.S. borders and protecting U.S. national security.

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Security

DSS protects people, property, and information that are crucial to the Department of State maintaining a diplomatic presence and conducting foreign policy around the world.

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An instructor (top) with the Diplomatic Security Service’s Antiterrorism Assistance (ATA) program coaches law enforcement officers with a SPEAR team from Tunisia during the weapons test at the first SPEAR Quick Response Force Summit Challenge, December 10, 2018, in Nairobi. ATA trains Special Program for Embassy Augmentation and Response teams in participating nations to respond within minutes to emergencies involving U.S. diplomatic facilities or personnel. (51 Seconds photo)

Training

DSS provides specialized security training to DSS personnel, Department of State employees, personnel from other federal agencies, and their families. DSS also offers security and law enforcement training programs to select foreign government security and law enforcement partner agencies.

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U.S. Department of State

The Lessons of 1989: Freedom and Our Future