Bureau of Diplomatic Security

The Bureau of Diplomatic Security, led by Richard J. Griffin, 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 investigates passport and visa fraud, conducts personnel security investigations, and protects the Secretary of State and high-ranking foreign dignitaries and officials visiting the United States.

Diplomatic Security trains foreign civilian law enforcement officers in disciplines designed to reduce the threat and repercussions of terrorism throughout the world.

Through the Office of Foreign Missions, the bureau manages reciprocity and immunity issues for foreign diplomats in the United States.The bureau also manages the Rewards for Justice program, and co-chairs the Overseas Security Advisory Council, a joint venture between the Department and the U.S. private sector to exchange timely information on overseas security issues with U.S. businesses.

Diplomatic Security's role evolves to meet new challenges. In concert with local security forces, special agents are protecting the President of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai, as well as training an Afghan force to take over the full responsibility.The bureau is currently completing security measures for the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and training assigned staff to live and work safely in Iraq.

To learn more about Diplomatic Security's activities, please view A Global Force: 2004 Year in Review, the bureau's latest annual report.