22 U.S. Code § 4821 - Diplomatic Security Service

The Secretary of State may establish a Diplomatic Security Service, which shall perform such functions as the Secretary may determine.

(Pub. L. 99–399, title II, § 201, Aug. 27, 1986, 100 Stat. 858; Pub. L. 103–236, title I, § 162(g)(7), Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 407.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1994—Pub. L. 103–236 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section read as follows: “There shall be, within the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, the Diplomatic Security Service. The Diplomatic Security Service shall perform such functions as may be assigned to it by the Secretary of State.”

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–236 applicable with respect to officials, offices, and bureaus of Department of State when executive orders, regulations, or departmental directives implementing the amendments by sections 161 and 162 of Pub. L. 103–236 become effective, or 90 days after Apr. 30, 1994, whichever comes earlier, see section 161(b) of Pub. L. 103–236, as amended, set out as a note under section 2651a of this title.

Fairness in Issuance of Tactical Gear to Diplomatic Security Service Personnel

Pub. L. 119–60, div. H, title LXXXIII, § 8364, Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1888, provided that:

“(a) In general

“In any instance when the Diplomatic Security Service of the Department of State issues tactical gear to Special Agents, uniform division officers, or personal service contractors, the Service must, whenever such products are commercially available, provide both men’s and women’s sizing options.

“(b) Tactical gear defined

“In this section, the term “tactical gear” includes, among other items, ballistic plates, ballistic plate carriers, helmets, media jackets, tactical pants, and gloves.”

Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Victim Advocates

Pub. L. 117–263, div. I, title XCII, § 9202(c), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3864, provided that:

“The Secretary [of State] shall ensure that the Diplomatic Security Service’s Victims’ Resource Advocacy Program—

“(1) is appropriately staffed by advocates who are physically present at—

“(A) the headquarters of the Department [of State]; and

“(B) major domestic and international facilities and embassies, as determined by the Secretary;

“(2) considers the logistics that are necessary to allow for the expedient travel of victims from Department facilities that do not have advocates; and

“(3) uses funds available to the Department to provide emergency food, shelter, clothing, and transportation for victims involved in matters being investigated by the Diplomatic Security Service.”