US Mission Portugal Local Guard Services

The DOS, Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS) plays an essential role in ensuring that foreign policy objectivesare accomplished in a safe and secure environment. DS accomplishes this by making the protection ofpeople, information, and property its top priority. DS develops and implements effective security programs tosafeguard DOS personnel as they implement foreign policy and promote U.S. interests around the world. Theprotection of life is the most critical element of the DS mission and is an absolute requirement for the globalconduct of foreign affairs.

DS Special Agents that are assigned to U.S. diplomatic missions overseas serve as the Regional SecurityOfficers (RSO). The RSO provides the first line of defense for DOS personnel, their families, U.S. diplomaticmissions, and national security information. The RSO develops and implement the programs that shield U.S.missions and residences from physical and technical attack. The RSO receives valuable assistance in this effortfrom other DS personnel, Marine Security Guards (MSG), local investigators, security engineering officers,and host government officials. The RSO serves as the primary liaison with foreign police and security servicesoverseas in an effort to obtain support for U.S. law enforcement initiatives and investigations. The RSO alsoserves to