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Offices & Departments

Diplomatic Security Service
Diplomatic Security Service

Regional Security Office


The Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS) is the security and law enforcement arm of the U.S. Department of State. Diplomatic Security is represented overseas by the Regional Security Office (RSO) located in every U.S. Embassy and most U.S. Consulates throughout the world.

The RSO provides a range of services to U.S. citizens, the U.S. private sector, and foreign law enforcement organizations. Each office is managed by a DS Special Agent (Regional Security Officer), who serves as the U.S. Ambassador’s senior U.S. law enforcement and security advisor.

The Regional Security Office:

  • Protects the U.S. embassy or consulate, its personnel, and information.
  • Serves as the U.S. embassy’s law enforcement liaison to the host nation.
  • Arranges training for foreign police and security officers to combat terrorism.
  • Advises Americans about safety and security abroad and assists U.S.-related schools and organizations in obtaining security grants.
  • Shares security information with the U.S. private sector through the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC). 

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