12 FAM 020
BUREAU leadership and MANAGEMENT
(CT:DS-290; 03-06-2018)
(Office of Origin: DS/MGT/PPD)
12 FAM 021 DIPLOMATIC SECURITY (DS)
LEADERSHIP TENETS
(CT:DS-230; 02-11-2015)
Strong, capable leadership is critical to the success of
the Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS) mission of providing a safe and secure
environment for the conduct of U.S. foreign policy through our protection,
criminal, and overseas programs. As a law enforcement and security
organization, we manage programs to protect personnel, facilities, and
information, but we must lead our people. The DS Leadership Tenets establish
expectations for all DS employees, regardless of grade or position, in pursuit
of service to the Department and the Nation:
(1) BE COURAGEOUS Choose the
harder right over the easier wrong. Be brave in the face of adversity and
danger, making tough decisions when required. Offer constructive dissent and
welcome the same from others;
(2) LIVE WITH INTEGRITY Be
consistent in thought, word, and action in your personal life and professional
conduct. Do what is best for the mission, your people, and the organization;
(3) LEAD BY EXAMPLE Commit
to excellence. Be a leader others want to follow. Inspire others and earn
their trust by setting the example in all things, including your physical
readiness and operational skills;
(4) DELEGATE AUTHORITY BUT NOT
RESPONSIBILITY Empower others to take ownership of their work. Coach
and clarify when needed. Hold yourself and others accountable for success and
failure;
(5) LEARN CONSTANTLY Drive
improvement through honest, productive assessments of individual and team
performance. Cultivate innovation and creativity. Improve your own capabilities,
and embrace your role as teacher and mentor to others in the organization;
(6) BUILD GREAT TEAMS Focus
on the team over the individual. Recruit the right people, train them to a
high standard, and foster a sense of pride in the DS mission. Value diversity
as essential to our organization. Take care of your people, your family, and
yourself; and
(7) COMMUNICATE Communicate
a vision of how your organization can most effectively contribute to the DS
mission. Clearly define expectations for both individuals and the team.
Encourage feedback. Respect and engage others across the broad range of our
government, private industry, and international partners.
12 FAM 022 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
(CT:DS-230; 02-11-2015)
a. The Executive Director (DS/EX) is responsible for
the allocation, administration, and accountability of all financial, personnel,
and property resources within the Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS).
b. Additionally, DS/EX is responsible for the
coordination of policy, planning, program evaluation, and executive
representation for the Bureau. See 1 FAM 260 for
further information.
12 FAM 023 SPECIAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
REVIEW BOARD (SPERB)
(CT:DS-220; 11-03-2014)
a. The DS Special Protective Equipment Review Board is
an advisory board to the director of the Diplomatic Security Service (DS/DSS)
who is also the DS Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary (PDAS). See 1 FAM 260 for further information.
b. For the U.S. Department of State Deadly Force and
Firearms Policy, approved by U.S. Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr. on
November 29, 2011, and promulgated herein, see 12 FAM Exhibit 023.
Additional procedures previously contained in 12 FAM Exhibit 023
have been relocated to 12 FAH-9.
c. The SPERB charter was approved by the DS PDAS and Director,
DS/DSS, in an action memorandum from the SPERB, dated April 03, 2013 (see 12 FAM Exhibit
023(C)).
12 FAM 024 OVERSEAS SECURITY POLICY
BOARD (OSPB)
(CT:DS-230; 02-11-2015)
a. The purpose of the OSPB is to develop, coordinate,
and promote uniform policies, standards, and agreements on security operations
outside the United States, and programs and projects that affect U.S.
Government civilian agencies represented abroad. See 12 FAH-6 H-014.
b. For the OSPB Charter, see 12 FAH-6
Exhibit H-014.1.
12 FAM 025 OVERSEAS SECURITY ADVISORY
COUNCIL (OSAC)
(CT:DS-230; 02-11-2015)
See 1 FAM 260 and 12 FAM 061 for
responsibilities of the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC).
12 FAM 026 THROUGH 029 UNASSIGNED
12 FAM Exhibit 023
Department of State Deadly Force And Firearms Policy
(CT:DS-220; 11-03-2014)
(Effective Date: 12-29-2011)
DEADLY FORCE
Deadly Force Policy
A special agent of the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS)
may use deadly force only when necessary, that is, when the special agent has a
reasonable belief that the subject of such force poses an imminent danger of
death or serious physical injury to the special agent or to another person.
Deadly force may not be used solely to prevent the escape
of a fleeing suspect.
Firearms may not be fired solely to disable moving
vehicles, vessels, or other conveyances.
If feasible and if to do so would not increase the danger
to the officer or others, a verbal warning to submit to the authority of the
special agent shall be given prior to the use of deadly force.
Warning shots are not permitted, except that they may be
used by DSS special agents in exercising DSSs protective responsibilities.
Special agents will be trained in alternative methods and
tactics for handling resisting subjects, which must be used when the use of
deadly force is not authorized by this policy.
FIREARMS
Authority to Carry Firearms
Section 2709 of Title 22, United States Code, authorizes
special agents of the U.S. Department of State to carry and use firearms in the
performance of their duties, consistent with these regulations.
General Policy
Authorization to Carry Firearms
A DSS special agent stationed in the United States, who is
not otherwise in any way legally disqualified from carrying a firearm, is
authorized to carry approved firearms on and off duty in accordance with this
policy. A DSS special agent is required to report to DS any condition that he
or she has reason to believe disqualifies him or her from lawfully carrying a
firearm.
A DSS special agent stationed outside the United States,
who is not otherwise in any way legally disqualified from carrying a firearm
under the laws of the United States, may carry his or her firearms abroad with
written approval by the chief of mission consistent with applicable statutory
authority.
Each DSS special agent is responsible for having a
complete understanding of his or her authority and its limitations, and of
these regulations.
All issues relating to these regulations that require
clarification shall be directed to the DS Special Protective Equipment Review
Board (SPERB).
Authorized Firearms and Related Equipment
In General
DSS will authorize special agents to carry handguns,
holsters, support weapons (including submachine guns, shotguns, and specialized
firearms) and ammunition that the Department of State, through the SPERB, has
issued or approved.
Off-duty and Secondary Weapons
While off duty in the United States, a DSS special agent
may be authorized to carry his or her service weapon. This provision does not
preclude the off-duty carriage of other firearms, subject to all applicable
federal, state, and local laws, in the agents capacity as a private citizen or
qualified law enforcement officer.
While on duty in the United States, a DSS special agent
may be authorized to carry one secondary handgun in addition to his or her
service weapon. The secondary handgun must come from a list of DSS-approved
handguns.
The off-duty carriage of a service weapon or on-duty
carriage of a secondary handgun is permissible only if the special agent
comports with all DSS standards, including required periodic qualification with
the weapon.
No secondary handgun is authorized unless there is written
documentation on file with DSS fully identifying the weapon and the date when
such carriage was first authorized.
A special agent may be authorized to have only one
DSS-approved secondary handgun in addition to his or her service weapon.
Qualification
In General
To be authorized to carry a DSS-issued firearm or
DSS-approved secondary firearm, a DSS special agent shall qualify by meeting or
exceeding a specified score on the DS qualification course with his or her
DSS-issued or DSS-approved firearm. This provision does not authorize a DSS
special agent to carry a firearm on which he or she has not successfully
completed required firearms qualification or familiarization procedures within
the past 12 months.
APPLICABILITY OF POLICY AND REGULATION
Disclaimer: This policy is set forth solely for the
purpose of internal Department guidance. It is not intended to, does not, and
may not be relied upon to create any rights, substantive or procedural,
enforceable at law by any party in any matter, civil or criminal, and does not
place any limitations on otherwise lawful activities of the Department.
U.S. LAW ENFORCEMENT AND INTELLIGENCE
ACTIVITIES
Rule of construction: Nothing contained in this policy
shall be construed to limit or impair the authority or responsibility of any
other Federal law enforcement or other agency of the United States with respect
to investigative, protective, or intelligence activities.
12 FAM Exhibit 023(C)
Special Protective Equipment Review Board Charter
(CT:DS-290; 03-06-2018)
1.0 MISSION:
The Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS) Special Protective
Equipment Review Board (SPERB), previously known as the Firearms and Policy
Review Board (FPRB), is an advisory board to the Director of the Diplomatic
Security Service (DS/DSS). The SPERB develops and recommends policies,
procedures and tactics, as well as provides guidance to DS Special Agents and
others who may be serving in a security or personal protection role at a U.S.
mission abroad, on the authorities and use of special protective equipment
(SPE).
2.0 AUTHORITY:
The Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS) within the
Department of State was established pursuant to the Omnibus Diplomatic Security
and Antiterrorism Act of 1986 (Public Law 99-399; 22 U.S.C. 4801, et seq.).
Title I of the Act defines the security functions and responsibilities of the
Secretary of State. Title II of the Act authorized the creation of the
Diplomatic Security Service, which is responsible for managing the bureaus
day-to-day security operations. The Secretary delegated responsibility to the
Assistant Secretary for Diplomatic Security those functions vested in the
Secretary of State by sections 103(a)(2) (22 U.S.C. 4802(a)(2)). The Principal
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Diplomatic Security advises the Assistant
Secretary for Diplomatic Security on the formulation and implementation of security
programs and policies for the Department and the foreign affairs community and
serves as the Director of the Diplomatic Security Service (1 FAM 262 a. (1) and (2)).
3.0 RESPONSIBILITIES:
3.1 The responsibility of the SPERB is to assist the
Director, DS/DSS, in formulation and dissemination of DS policy as it relates
to all aspects of DS SPE. This includes, but is not limited to, use of force
policy, firearms, less-than-lethal devices, restraining devices, protective
equipment, electronic countermeasures, evaluation and application of emerging
technologies, and the issuance of such ancillary equipment and items issued to,
and/or controlled by DS direct-hire, DS contract personnel, U.S. mission guards
and bodyguards under commercial contract or personal services agreement (PSA),
and the United States Marine Corps (USMC) Marine Security Embassy Security
Group (MCESG). The SPERB addresses all issues related to these subjects, both
domestically and abroad, and other tasks as assigned by the Director.
3.2 The SPERB assists the Director by reviewing any
request related to the subjects described in section 3.1 above, unless the
request has been previously approved in writing by the Director. The SPERB can
request additional information, or recommend the Director approve or deny the
request.
3.3 The Executive Secretariat, DS/MGT/PPD, will maintain
the meeting minutes, retain copies of all record documents related to the works
of the SPERB and clear and promulgate all SPERB policy recommendations and the
Directors final decision.
3.4 The SPERB will, generally, meet monthly to
adjudicate issues and/or requests submitted by a Regional Director (RD) in
consultation with DS/PSP/DEAV, DS/T/TPS, DS/IP/OPO, DS/SPC/MSG or other
offices, as required. The SPERB can hold special meetings as needed or, for
time sensitive actions, members may vote electronically.
3.5 The Chair must preside over the SPERB meetings.
Should the Chair be unavailable, the DS/DSS Director will designate an interim
Chair to preside.
4.0 MEMBERSHIP:
4.1 Voting Members:
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Training (DS/T) - Chair
Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Programs (DS/IP)
Deputy Assistant Secretary for High Threat Programs (DS/HTP)
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Countermeasures (DS/C)
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Domestic Operations (DS/DO)
Executive Director for Diplomatic Security (DS/EX)
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Threat Investigations and Analysis
(DS/TIA)
4.2 Alternate Voting Members: Each voting member (except the Chair) must
designate a primary alternate with authority to cast binding votes. For
continuity, a voting member should designate someone who can serve consistently
as their alternate for all future absences. Voting members may also designate
a secondary alternate with authority to cast binding votes if neither the
voting member nor the primary alternate can be present at the meeting. All
requests for an alternate must be made in writing to the Chair, with a copy to
the Executive Secretariat. A designated alternate becomes eligible to vote
immediately after the Chair approves the designation for the record during an
SPERB meeting. If neither the member nor the alternate is able to attend a
meeting, and a secondary alternate has not been officially designated, the
voting member may designate a proxy voter from among the voting members.
4.3 Non-Voting Members:
Chief, Policy and Planning Division (DS/MGT/PPD) - Executive
Secretary
Attorney-Advisor (L/M/DS)
Director, Office of Security Technology (DS/C/ST)
Director, Office of Mobile Security Deployments (DS/T/MSD)
Chief, Defensive Equipment and Armored Vehicle Division,
(DS/C/PSP/DEAV)
Chief, Security and Law Enforcement Training Division,
(DS/T/SLTD)
Chief, Firearms Training Unit, (DS/SSB/FTU)
Chief, Marine Security Guard Branch (DS/SPC/MSG)
4.4 Other members may be added by majority vote of
attending board members or at the direction of the Director, DS/DSS.
Non-voting members at their discretion may send alternate subject matter
experts to attend on their behalf. The Executive Secretariat may designate a
member of his or her staff to organize the agenda and take the meeting minutes.
5.0 ASSEMBLY AND VOTING PROCEDURES:
5.1 In order to assemble and conduct business, a
majority of the voting members must be present. SPE-related requests and
issues must be formally presented to the SPERB for consideration as an agenda
item.
5.2 The Chair will motion the SPERB to vote on whether
or not to recommend to the Director approval for the SPErelated request.
5.3 Whenever possible, recommendations will be made by
consensus.
5.4 When voting members cannot reach a consensus,
recommendations will be made by majority vote.
5.5 Recommendations for approval are forwarded to the
DS/DSS Director for final approval.
5.6 Requests that the SPERB does not approve may be
re-submitted by the requesting entity with additional information or
clarification provided; or the request may be forwarded to the DS/DSS Director
not recommending approval.
5.7 The SPERB voting members cannot override a decision
by the Director, DS/DSS.
6.0 WORKING GROUPS:
The SPERB maintains two working groups (WGs). The WGs
make recommendations to the SPERB on tactics, techniques, policies, and
equipment within their area of responsibility or on special projects as
directed. The chair or co-chair of a WG is responsible for presenting the
group's findings to the Executive Secretariat prior
to meetings for inclusion in the SPERB agenda.
6.1 Firearms, Optics, and Protective
Equipment Working Group:
Director, Office of Mobile Security Deployments (DS/T/MSD) -
Chair
Director, Office of Protection (DS/DO/P) - Co-Chair
Chief, Defensive Equipment and Armored Vehicles Division
(DS/PSP/DEAV)
Chief, Security and Law Enforcement Training Division (DS/T/SLTD)
Office Director, Office of Regional
Directors, High Threat Programs (DS/HTP/RD)
Chief, Firearms Training Unit, (DS/SSB/FTU)
Policy Analyst (DS/MGT/PPD)
Attorney-Adviser (L/M/DS)
Additional Subject Matter Experts as needed
6.2 Less-Than-Lethal and Emerging
Technologies Working Group:
Deputy Assistant Secretary for High Threat Programs (DS/HTP) -
Chair
Director, Physical Security Programs (DS/C/PSP) - Co-Chair
Director, Office of Security Technology (DS/C/ST)
Director, Office of Field Office Management (DS/DO/FLD)
Chief, Special Skills Training Branch (DS/SLTD/SSB)
Chief, Marine Security Guard Branch (DS/SPC/MSG)
Chief, MSD Training and Logistics Division (DS/MSD/TAL)
Policy Analyst (DS/MGT/PPD)
Attorney-Adviser (L/M/DS)
Additional Subject Matter Experts as needed.