Dignitary Protection
Encyclopedia
When the US Government determines that a visiting dignitary needs protection while visiting the United States, these services are most often provided by either the United States Secret Service
or the US Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service
.
protects visiting heads of state.
protects foreign dignitaries who are not heads of state, essentially everybody else.
In recent years DS agents have also protected foreign leaders while in their own country. This includes the president of Liberia, and the president of Afghanistan.
United States Secret Service
The United States Secret Service is a United States federal law enforcement agency that is part of the United States Department of Homeland Security. The sworn members are divided among the Special Agents and the Uniformed Division. Until March 1, 2003, the Service was part of the United States...
or the US Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service
Diplomatic Security Service
The U.S. Diplomatic Security Service is the federal law enforcement arm of the United States Department of State. The majority of its Special Agents are members of the Foreign Service and federal law enforcement agents at the same time, making them unique...
.
Secret Service
In addition to US government protectees (POTUS, Cabinet members), the Secret ServiceUnited States Secret Service
The United States Secret Service is a United States federal law enforcement agency that is part of the United States Department of Homeland Security. The sworn members are divided among the Special Agents and the Uniformed Division. Until March 1, 2003, the Service was part of the United States...
protects visiting heads of state.
Diplomatic Security Service
In addition to US government protectees (SECSTATE, USUN Ambassador), the Diplomatic Security ServiceDiplomatic Security Service
The U.S. Diplomatic Security Service is the federal law enforcement arm of the United States Department of State. The majority of its Special Agents are members of the Foreign Service and federal law enforcement agents at the same time, making them unique...
protects foreign dignitaries who are not heads of state, essentially everybody else.
In recent years DS agents have also protected foreign leaders while in their own country. This includes the president of Liberia, and the president of Afghanistan.