For more information about the Diplomatic Security Service visit www.state.gov/m/ds
Operating as usual
What are your career goals for 2023?
Meet the DSS special agents from U.S. Consulate General Karachi's Regional Security Office in Pakistan to learn a little bit about who they are, why they became special agents, and why you should too.
Careers.state.gov/DS
Did you know DSS helps return more than 300 fugitives each year?
DSS is the most widely represented U.S. law enforcement and security organization in the world. We are located in more than 270 U.S. embassies and consulates in 170+ countries worldwide, and in 33 U.S. cities.
Due to our worldwide presence, we are able to coordinate and assist in apprehending fugitives who may be running from the law.
Want to learn more? Go to https://www.state.gov/law-enforcement/
Wishing everyone joy and peace during the holiday season and new year!
Happy Holidays!
DSS Director Carlos Matus recently returned from a trip to Bogota where he witnessed how Colombian National Police are combating transnational crime in partnership with the United States Embassy, the State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, and the International Law Enforcement Academy in San Salvador.
The DSS Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy is responsible for the security of all chief of mission personnel in Colombia working to combat transnational crime and advance U.S. interests.
Embajada de los Estados Unidos Colombia
U.S. Department of State: Bureau of Intl Narcotics & Law Enforcement (INL)
Policía Nacional de los Colombianos
ILEA San Salvador
Today, Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security Gentry Smith and other DSS senior officials visited the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund to pay their respects to Special Agents Daniel Emmett O'Connor and Ronald Albert Lariviere, who died aboard Pan Am flight 103 on December 21, 1988.
Last week, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that Abu Agila Mohammad Mas’ud Kheir al-Marimi is in U.S. custody to face trial for his alleged role in the bombing.
The pursuit and prosecution of Mas’ud was the result of an intensive diplomatic effort that will bring justice for the 270 people who died in the bombing 34 years ago.
https://www.state.gov/alleged-pan-am-flight-103-bombmaker-in-u-s-custody/
The entire DSS family is mourning the passing of Cpl. Elwin Ramirez and we send our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace Cpl. Ramirez and thank you for your service.
We are deeply saddened at the passing of Cpl. Elwin Ramirez, who was serving at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria, at the time of his death. We extend our most heartfelt condolences to Cpl. Ramirez’s family and friends, and we ask that you please respect their privacy during this difficult time. We are working closely with our State Department partners and cooperating fully with NCIS and their ongoing investigation.
Cpl. Ramirez was from Lodi, California. He was an infantry Marine who excelled at MSG School, had successfully completed his first post at Detachment Valletta, Malta, and was on his second post.
Learn how DSS and brought to justice a fugitive from Guatemala wanted for a 1991 homicide.
Garcia had been on the lam since he was 19 years old, when he allegedly stabbed Ismael Recinos-Garcia to death during a fight in Attleboro on Nov. 16, 1991
Photos from Mount Vernon Police Department - WA's post
This year the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program partnered for the 22nd time to bring holiday cheer to children in communities nationwide.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security Gentry Smith presented all the toys collected in the National Capital Region from the U.S. Department of State family to the Marines and thanked them for coordinating the program.
U.S. Marine Security Guards have worked closely with the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service for more than seven decades to protect and safeguard people, property, and sensitive information at U.S. embassies and consulates around the world. This month, they work together to spread holiday cheer.
Marine Security Guard - MSG Duty
Marine Toys for Tots Foundation
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room.
Most often, Marine Security Guards at U.S. embassies are seen manning Post One or supporting other security operations. However, at times, they can be seen outside the embassy’s walls. The Marine Security Guard detachment at U.S. Embassy Zambia volunteered at an elephant orphanage digging trenches and a pool, pouring concrete, installing a solar-powered water pump, and assisting with the relocation of several baby elephants to a new facility, which gave them a fresh water supply and a pool to play in.
Great work Marines!
https://statemag.state.gov/2022/12/1222itn03/
Statemag
Marine Security Guard - MSG Duty
DSS protects Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken 24/7/365. Wherever he goes, we go, ensuring that any potential threats to him are mitigated.
Recently, Secretary Blinken and Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security Gentry Smith hosted an appreciation event for the special agents and personnel who support Blinken's detail. They thanked each individual for their hard work, dedication, and service to their country.
Do you recognize this room? Angelina Jolie, Bono and other famous people have joined Secretaries of State for important meetings here. Check out our post from November to learn more about this significant spot.
During the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C. this week, DSS special agents provided protection for South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Naledi Pandor.
Part of our mission is to protect foreign dignitaries when they are on official travel to the United States.
Learn more about the U.S.-Africa Summit https://www.state.gov/africasummit/
Are you looking for a new challenge in 2023?
DSS is an elite law enforcement and security organization and offers opportunities that will take you around the world.
Are you ready for the challenge? Join us today!
Careers.state.gov/DS
Let’s take a look back to our top 3 posts on Twitter for 2022.
2022 was a jam-packed year for DSS. We’ve been part of worldwide security operations from Porto Alegre, Brazil to Dakar, Senegal. We have served on protection details at international events such as the Summit of the Americas, FIFA World Cup, Winter Olympics, and more. We even protected the Prince and Princess of Wales on their first trip to the U.S. since assuming their new title.
We can't wait to see what next year holds for DSS!
Stay connected with us and see the places we go and all the people who make DSS a unique, diverse, and international family.
Happy Holidays!
Let’s take a look back to our top 3 posts on Facebook for 2022.
2022 was a jam-packed year for DSS. We’ve been part of worldwide security operations from Porto Alegre, Brazil to Dakar, Senegal. We have served on protection details at international events such as the Summit of the Americas, FIFA World Cup, Winter Olympics, and more. We even protected the Prince and Princess of Wales on their first trip to the U.S. since assuming their new title.
We can't wait to see what next year holds for DSS!
Stay connected with us and see the places we go and all the people who make DSS a unique, diverse, and international family.
Happy Holidays!
Today, we remember those who lost their lives and were impacted by the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
The day after the attack, then U.S. Secretary of State Cordell Hull became the first Secretary to be assigned a protective detail, which consisted of one special agent.
Today, the Secretary of State protective detail is a team of DSS special agents who continue to protect the Secretary around the clock, everywhere in the world.
As the organization in charge of security at U.S. embassies and consulates, DSS regularly tests its emergency response capabilities and procedures.
Last month, the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Consulate General in Porto Alegre, Brazil, conducted a crisis management exercise that included the consulate's security forces as well as host nation law enforcement entities.
Check out some of the highlights.
Embaixada EUA Brasil / US Embassy Brazil
Prefeitura de Porto Alegre
Brigada Militar
The Regional Security Office at U.S. Embassy Asunción hosted a “Kids Safety Day” as part of a four-week emergency preparedness project.
Children from Embassy Asunción who took part in this training event learned about basic first aid, CPR, fire safety, conducting radio checks, and more.
At the end of the fun-filled day, each child earned a certificate of training, a “Project Preparedness Agent” t-shirt, as well as valuable skills to help keep them safe in the event of an emergency.
Great job kids!
Embajada de los Estados Unidos en Paraguay
Foreign Service National Investigator (FSNI) Fernando Assis, who works in the U.S. Embassy Brasilia Regional Security Office, received the Medal of Merit of the National Force in November. Secretary of National Public Security Col. Carlos Paim presented the medal to FSNI Assis.
FSNI Assis received the award for his contributions in assisting the National Force with U.S. Embassy Brasilia-sponsored training and assistance.
Congratulations!
Embaixada EUA Brasil / US Embassy Brazil
The Regional Security Office at U.S. Embassy Mauritania conducted an emergency preparedness training exercise with the local guard force and Marine Security Guard Detachment.
The training included an 80-meter sprint, properly applying a tourniquet, maneuvering and overcoming obstacles, and other techniques that help save lives in an emergency.
On Dec. 2, 1918, in the aftermath of World War I, U.S. Department of State assigned U.S. Army Major Amos J. Peaslee to the U.S. Embassy in Paris with the mission of dispatching officers across war-torn Europe to support the American Commission to Negotiate Peace.
With that mission, the Diplomatic Couriers were born.
These photos show diplomatic couriers in their travels throughout Europe in early 1919. Diplomatic couriers were a group of U.S. Army messengers originally called the Silver Greyhounds.
Providing top-notch security for the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Watch:
The young royal fans' mum said the eight-year-old had seen the changing of the guard on a trip to London and had been inspired to recreate the iconic outfit.
The Diplomatic Security Service’s critical incident management expertise spans the globe.
Learn about our worldwide crisis response.
Russia invades Ukraine. A category 5 hurricane tears through the Caribbean. Anti-government protests roil Kazakhstan. A drug cartel attacks a U.S. consulate in Mexico. An explosion levels a seaport in Beirut. A pandemic ravages the planet.
About last night…
DSS is providing protection for the Prince and Princess of Wales during their official visit to the United States.
During their first evening in the City of Boston, the Prince and Princess of Wales attended an event at Boston City Hall and a Boston Celtics basketball game.
Follow us for more behind the scenes moments from this Royal visit.
Interested in an exciting federal career in international security, law enforcement, engineering, cybersecurity, diplomacy, technology, and more?
Check out where DSS recruiters will hold events this month to learn more about career opportunities.
U.S. Department of State
What is the Diplomatic Security Service’s role in protecting Prince William and Princess Kate during their official visit this week to the U.S.?
Read here: https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/protecting-british-royals-visit-us/story?id=94157598
Our fields may look different but we’re all about teamwork!
While the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team is concentrated on scoring goals for today’s match, DSS is working with domestic and international partners to help protect the team during the .
Let’s go team USA!
U.S. Soccer
FIFA World Cup
For DSS special agents, safety is the goal for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Read more
Nick Prieto ’07 heads the security effort for the U.S. Department of State at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
It’s a team effort.
Preparing security operations for events as big as the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Doha takes a lot of coordination.
For months, a team of DSS special agents from the United States worked closely with the DSS Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Doha to develop, coordinate, and implement all U.S. government security policies and operations to protect the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team (USMNT) as well as U.S. corporate stakeholders and members of the U.S. media attending the World Cup.
The World Cup is all about teams…what team are you rooting for!? Tell us in the comments below.
U.S. Soccer
The World Cup has kicked off and is well underway! The U.S. Men’s National Team plays again today but the DSS World Cup Team of special agents works every day to keep the team, fans, and U.S. partners safe.
Meet your 2022 DSS World Cup Team!
U.S. Soccer
Happy Thanksgiving from our DSS family to yours!
Interested in becoming a DSS special agent and earning a master’s degree? Now you can do both!
Last day to Apply to the Clarke DS Fellowship program is Nov. 30. Apply Today!
https://careers.state.gov/interns-fellows/foreign-service-fellowships/william-d-clarke-sr-diplomatic-security-fellowship/
Read about how a Yakima County resident is now working with DSS in Doha, Qatar for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Read more
A former Yakima County Commissioners clerk will be among those watching World Cup matches inside a joint operations center at Qatar’s U.S. Embassy.
Did you know DSS is protecting the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team for the 2022 FIFA World Cup?
We are responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing all U.S. government security policies and operations for the 2022 World Cup tournament and, in addition to the USMNT, we help protect U.S. corporate stakeholders and members of the U.S. media attending this exciting event.
Follow DSS to see some exciting behind the scenes moments during the 2022 World Cup.
U.S. Soccer
DSS Deputy Assistant Secretary Andrew Wroblewski met with the Qatari Director of Public Security to discuss security operations and collaboration during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The meeting served as an opportunity to discuss security preparations surrounding the 2022 World Cup and thank the Qataris for their support.
In addition, they both discussed a range of security issues and how both nations could build on their cooperation during the event and carry them over to future security-related issues.
The general assured DAS Wroblewski that their police and security forces “will show that we are ready” for a safe and secure World Cup.
U.S. Embassy Doha
Learn more about what DSS special agents do to protect the U.S. Soccer Men’s National Team at the in Doha, Qatar.
⚽️ As soccer fans across the globe enjoy the start of the World Cup, meet Kenneth Greenblatt, a 1995 Rutgers graduate who works for the U.S. Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service as the senior World Cup security coordinator in Doha, Qatar. 🥅
“My number one priority is keeping Americans in Doha and the team safe. That has meant building trust and relationships with counterparts from Germany, France, England, Turkey, and mostly with Qataris.”
Greenblatt has been in the country for the past 16 months coordinating all U.S. government security and law enforcement support and engagement with Qatar security services and partners from more than 13 countries. His job has involved connecting with the right people, meeting with the Ministry of Interior and FIFA about security policies and regulations and helping ensure U.S. government VIP visitors are safe and secure.
“You can’t overlook anything. There are so many moving parts and you must make sure you do all you can to ensure that there is proper coordination and no lack of communication or any distrust."
Read more of his story: https://go.rutgers.edu/rhxvi2fi
Hello from DSS around the world!
DSS has the largest global presence of any U.S. federal law enforcement agency, located at more than 270 U.S. embassies and consulates around the world.
As part of our mission, we lead worldwide security and law enforcement efforts to advance U.S. foreign policy and safeguard national security interests.
Say hello to us in the comments below!
Where in the world is DSS?
Well, since you asked, we’re in over 270 locations worldwide. But, for the last few weeks, our special agents have been supporting security and protection operations for the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Doha, Qatar.
They have been preparing for months and now we’re bringing our A game!
What team are your rooting for!? Let us know in the comments.
U.S. Soccer
Congratulations OSAC on a successful Annual Briefing!
This two-day event brought together public and private sector members for the first time in years to talk about the importance of security operations and collaboration for U.S. based organizations conducting business overseas.
Looking forward to next year!
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On this Veterans Day, we are honoring the men and women who continue supporting their country by working with DSS domestically and around the world. Thank you for your continued service and to all who have bravely served our country. Happy Veterans Day! #veteransday2022
Interested in an exciting federal career in international security, law enforcement, engineering, cybersecurity, diplomacy, technology, and more? Check out where DSS recruiters will hold events this month to learn more about career opportunities. #careers #workforus #federaljobs #careerfair #securityjobs #Security #cybersecurity #university #technology #events #recruiters #collegestudent #diplomacy #internationalaffairs #internationalrelations
Most cyber incidents start with a phish. To stop it, report it. #CybersecurityAwarenessMonth #DSSCyberTips
No matter the account, all #passwords should be created with these characteristics in mind: long (16+ characters), unique (never reuse passwords), and complex (a combination of upper and lower case letters, spaces, numbers and special characters) #CybersecurityAwarenessMonth
Interested in an exciting federal career in international security, law enforcement, engineering, cybersecurity, diplomacy, technology, and more? Check out where DSS recruiters will hold events this month to learn more about career opportunities. #careers #workforus #federaljobs #careerfair #securityjobs #Security #cybersecurity #university #technology #events #recruiters #collegestudent #diplomacy #internationalaffairs #internationalrelations
Billions of account credentials are available online to hackers. Enable #MFA with an authenticator app to protect your accounts & sensitive information. #CybersecurityAwarenessMonth #DSSCyberTips
This #CybersecurityAwarenessMonth, DSS is showcasing best practices for securing data and devices. Interested in supporting our cyber mission and contributing to US diplomacy? Join us: careers.state.gov/ds
Are you ready to be part of an elite law enforcement team? Join us. Go to Careers.state.gov/DS #Hiring #JobVacancy #ApplyNow
Congratulations to the 11 DSS officers who were awarded the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association's (FLEOA) National Award for Uncommon Valor. The award recognizes their efforts in defending the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and protecting visiting U.S. government delegations against violent protests in the aftermath of the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise in 2021. Read to learn more: https://www.state.gov/dss-special-agents-receive-uncommon-valor-award-for-security-response-following-assassination-of-haitian-president/ Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association Ambassade des États-Unis, Port-au-Prince (Haïti)
A great week - #UNGA77. We want to thank our staff, partners and New York City for helping us again during this big event. And a huge applause for the incredible DSS team! 👏 U.S. Coast Guard FBI – Federal Bureau of Investigation NYPD U.S. Coast Guard New York
Many people. Many partners. One team. It takes months of coordination, planning and security efforts to make a National Special Security Event of this magnitude come to fruition. The U.N. General Assembly is DSS largest protective detail mission each year. We have hundreds of our employees on the ground and work together with various local, state and federal law enforcement partners as one team to maintain a safe and secure environment for the conduct of diplomacy each year. U.S. Coast Guard U.S. Customs and Border Protection NYPD U.S. Coast Guard Northeast
The U.S. Department of State is a Federal Agency Partner of The White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), and DSS proudly spotlighted the importance of these schools during HBCU Week. DSS would like to recognize some of the DSS employees who are HBCU alumni and graduates and thank those who participated in our HBCU Week events. #HBCUWeek #HBCU Florida A&M University, Fayetteville State University, Grambling State University, Hampton University- Official, Howard University, Morehouse College, Morgan State University, North Carolina A&T State University, Oakwood University, Southern University and A&M College - Baton Rouge, LA,, Tougaloo College, Tennessee State University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Virginia State University
The Diplomatic Security Service honors the nearly 3,000 people who were killed on September 11, 2001, and remembers those who bravely responded to the attacks. DSS Special Agents were at Ground Zero helping in the aftermath. DSS special agents also supported the 9/11 investigation, including one agent who is the DSS liaison to the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force in New York City. We will never forget. #neverforget #September11
DSS regional security officers must prepare for and respond to a wide range of security issues -- including natural disasters -- at U.S. embassies and consulates around the world. In a four-part series, DSS details how the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy Canberra, Australia, prepared for and weathered the 2019-2020 bushfires. Enjoy this sneak peek, and look out for this series on DSS social media next week.
U.S. Embassy Tanzania was attacked on August 7, 1998, by an Al-Qaida suicide bombing. Eleven Tanzanians, including seven foreign service nationals, died in the blast, and 72 others were wounded. The same day, Al-Qaida suicide bombers launched another attack, almost simultaneously, on the U.S. Embassy Nairobi, killing 218 people and wounding nearly 5,000 others. The terrorist attacks on the U.S. embassies in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam led to several security improvements. In 1999, Congress passed the Secure Embassy Construction and Counterterrorism Act (SECCA), which set measures that still protect us today, including the creation of a new Foreign Service specialty, our Security Technical Specialist colleagues. Learn more about the 1998 embassy bombings: https://www.state.gov/remembering-the-1998-embassy-bombings-2/
