U.S. Department of State – Diplomatic Security Service – Philadelphia, PA

General Overview

The Philadelphia Resident Office of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) is the federal law enforcement agency responsible for ensuring the integrity of U.S. travel documents and protecting diplomatic assets. While the input data labels this location as the ”Foreign Affairs Security Training Center” (which is actually located in Blackstone, Virginia), this Philadelphia facility functions as an operational Resident Office. It falls under the New York Field Office’s jurisdiction. The DSS is the most widely represented law enforcement organization in the world, and this local office plays a critical role in investigating crimes that threaten the security of the United States’ borders and diplomatic relations.

Investigative Mission

Special Agents assigned to the Philadelphia Resident Office conduct criminal investigations focused on:

• Passport and Visa Fraud: Investigating individuals who use fraudulent documents to obtain U.S. passports or visas, often linked to terrorism, human trafficking, or other criminal activities.
• Personnel Security: Conducting background investigations for State Department employees and contractors requiring security clearances.
• Counterintelligence: Working to detect and neutralize intelligence threats against U.S. diplomatic personnel and facilities.

Protective Operations

In addition to investigations, this office supports the DSS’s protective mission. Agents here coordinate security for the Secretary of State and visiting high-ranking foreign dignitaries (such as Heads of State and foreign ministers) when they travel to the Philadelphia area. They work closely with local law enforcement partners, including the Philadelphia Police Department and other federal agencies, to ensure the safety of these protected individuals.

Access and Security

The office is located at 20 North 8th Street, a federal facility that may also house other government agencies (such as the FDA). Access is strictly controlled and is generally not open to the public for walk-in services. Individuals seeking assistance with passport applications should visit a public Passport Acceptance Facility or the Philadelphia Passport Agency, not this law enforcement office. Visits here are typically for official business only, such as interviews related to investigations or background checks, and require a scheduled appointment and valid government identification.