One of the biggest threats to global security today is transnational crime, which, by definition, transcends borders and threatens the safety of U.S. citizens both at home and abroad. Transnational criminal organizations often originate and operate overseas, making investigative pursuit a complex undertaking for local, state, and sometimes even federal law enforcement.

Overseas operations and investigations are where the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) excels. DSS is the most widely represented law enforcement agency in the world and is the organization best positioned to combat transnational crime abroad—before it becomes a U.S. domestic concern. DSS, the law enforcement arm of the U.S. Department of State, has more than 2,100 special agents serving at 275 embassies and consulates in 170 countries, as well as 31 domestic offices across the United States. It employs hundreds of local and foreign criminal fraud investigators, investigative assistants, intelligence research specialists, forensic accountants, and other experts with advanced investigative and analytic skills.