Dignitary Protection

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.

Secret Service

In addition to US government protectees (POTUS, Cabinet members), the Secret Service protects visiting heads of state.

Diplomatic Security Service

DSS Agents escort the Dalai Lama Houston, TX, May 1, 2007.

In addition to US government protectees (SECSTATE, USUN Ambassador), the Diplomatic Security Service 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.

Other Agencies

In the UK this type of protection is commonly referred to as close protection.

References

• Official State Department DSS Protecting People Page
• USSS How Protection Works Page
• State Department links to photos of DS Agents protecting dignitaries