The Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) has more than 2,500 special agents, security engineering officers, security technical specialists, and diplomatic couriers working and traveling worldwide.

No matter which professional, academic or personal path you have taken in life, you can turn your unique perspectives and law enforcement, technical, or engineering skills into an exciting public service career.

DSS conducts personnel security background investigations for the U.S. Department of State and other federal agencies.

These investigations provide information to help determine if a job candidate or current employee is suitable for employment and should have access to classified information, or Department of State resources and facilities.

DSS traces its origins to World War I when, on April 4, 1916, U.S. Secretary of State Robert Lansing formally established the Department of State’s first security office.

The DS Memorial honors employees, contractors, and military support personnel — U.S. citizens and foreign nationals — who lost their lives supporting the DS mission of providing a secure environment for the conduct of American diplomacy. Information about the DS Memorial and the names of the fallen personnel are available worldwide via the DS Memorial website.