DSSAA: Diplomatic Security Special Agents Association

About DSSAA

DSSAA is a fraternal, benevolent association which is classified as a non-profit 501(c)(4). The association exists to foster the development of professional and personal relationships between DSS Special Agents, DSS personnel (former and current), other fraternal law enforcement organizations (i.e., FOP), law enforcement agencies and members of the intelligence community. We strive to establish a focal point of communication and promote the exchange of information regarding matters that are of mutual concern to DSSAA members.

While the DSSAA cannot serve as a bargaining unit, it endeavors to actively promote projects designed to support and benefit its members. Additionally, the DSSAA takes into account that an agent's family is an integral part of the DS organization. With our agents being asked more and more to operate in hostile environments, the fact that the DSSAA is standing by to assist family members during a crisis offers some relief and support to the DS Agent serving overseas.

The DS Public Affairs office announces the release of a new product, the History of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, professionally researched and written by the Department’s Office of the Historian, detailing the period from our organization’s creation in 1916 up to the present.

This comprehensive history, now available on the public DS Web site, includes text and historic images relating to the men and women who have served DS domestically and overseas during nearly one hundred years of service to the Department.

The history records the development of DS and many achievements of its Special Agents, SEOs, STSs, Diplomatic Couriers, and other personnel in the course of both exceptional and routine daily duties. It depicts historically significant individuals, events, and locations in the history of DS and its predecessor security offices, including activities during the First and Second World Wars, the Cold War period, and the current era of terrorist threats.

From the origins of Diplomatic Security, up to and including recent DS achievements, discover the extraordinary history and evolution of our bureau over the past century.

A complete PDF edition of the history, including all text and photos, also is available on a CD-ROM disc by request to AtchisonMC@state.gov .

Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Diplomatic Security Service!

Order the DS "25 Years in Pictures” display book!

This coffee-table quality book is filled with 152 pages of photographs capturing the efforts of thousands of dedicated DS employees around the world to provide a secure environment for U.S. foreign policy. From President Reagan’s signature to innovative and extraordinary efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan (and indeed in every corner of the globe), see your DS partners at work!

This book makes a wonderful gift for family or valued contacts! Email websales@dssaa.org to order your copies now.

Cost: $25 (DSSAA members) • ($30 Non-members)

What is DSS?

The Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) was founded in 1916 as the Office of the Chief Special Agent. It assumed its current title in 1986. A Federal law enforcement organization, the DSS is represented domestically and in U.S. Embassies and Consulates overseas. DSS has Special Agents assigned to domestic field offices throughout the United States as well as over 155 countries. No other Federal law enforcement entity is more broadly represented globally than the agents of the Diplomatic Security Service.

Domestically, DSS agents are responsible for the protection of the Secretary of State, foreign diplomatic missions and visiting foreign dignitaries. Additionally, they conduct investigations into violations of U.S. passport/visa laws and false identity crimes.

Overseas, DSS agents serve in U.S. Embassies and Consulates as the mission's Regional Security Office. The agents serve as the Ambassador's principal adviser on terrorism and criminal, counter-intelligence, and security matters. Additionally, they conduct investigations on behalf of U.S. federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

Experienced in serving both domestically and abroad, Special Agents of the Diplomatic Security Service provide a unique service to the citizens of the United States. They take pride in the motto "Serving America Around the World."

Whether you are a member, a potential member, or just interested in who we are and what we do, welcome to our website!

DSSAA members and DS employees, don't forget to check out our complete merchandise catalog!

If you are not a DSSAA member or DS employee, you may order from our page of merchandise for the general public.

Interested in joining DSSAA?? Click here to visit our Membership Information pages.

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