CRS Report: Securing Diplomatic Facilities and Personnel

Securing U.S. Diplomatic Facilities and Personnel Abroad: Background and Policy Issues

The Congressional Research Service has published a report about ensuring the safety and security of America's diplomatic facilities and personnel. In the wake of the Benghazi consulate attack on September 11, 2012, Congress and the nation have focused on what can be done to protect the diplomatic corps and other Americans serving their country abroad.

The report notes that "the inability to provide perfect security, especially against the evident threat of mob violence, has focused particular scrutiny on the deployment of diplomatic personnel in high-threat environments." It goes into great detail about Congressional funding for diplomatic security. It also details steps that can be taken to address security issues in the future.

The report includes the following sections:

1. Host Nation Responsibility Under the Vienna Conventions
2. U.S. Responsibilities and Posture
3. Physical Security at U.S. Diplomatic Facilities
4. Incident Response
5. Oversight and Funding

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