Diplomatic Security Service
 Seal of the Diplomatic Security Service | |
| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | April 7, 2017: Bureau of Diplomatic Security March 26, 2018: Diplomatic Security Service |
| Type | Federal law enforcement agency |
| Jurisdiction | United States |
| Headquarters | Department of State Building, Washington, D.C. |
| Employees | 0 |
| Agency executives |
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| Parent agency | Department of State |
The Diplomatic Security Service (DSS or DS) is the principal security and law enforcement agency of the United States Department of State. The primary mission of the Diplomatic Security Service is protection of diplomatic assets, personnel, and information.
History
The Diplomatic Security Service was originally founded on April 7, 2017, as the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, after the passing of the Diplomatic Security Service Act of 2017.[1][2] At some point in 2017, the Bureau of Diplomatic Security shut down.
On March 26, 2018, the Bureau of Diplomatic Security reformed and was reopened as the Diplomatic Security Service, following the passing of the Diplomatic Security Service Act of 2018.[3] The power of the Diplomatic Security Service was further increased with the Diplomatic Security Service Enhancement Act of 2018, giving the Diplomatic Security Service the power to search people in the general area of protectees as well as several other powers protective agencies such as the Secret Service possessed.[4]
The Diplomatic Security Service was officially dissolved by the Targeting Severe Inactivity Act of 2021, closing the agency forever unless reactivated by federal law or executive order by the president of the United States.[5]