DSS and the New York City Police Department team up to train incoming New York Field Office special agents

On April 29-30, 2021, the Diplomatic Security Service’s (DSS) protective detail assigned to the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations (USUN), partnered with the New York City Police Department (NYPD) to conduct monthly orientation training for incoming New York Field Office (NYFO) special agents to familiarize them with escort detail procedures, contingency planning techniques, and other technical skills needed to protect the ambassador.

The NYPD Advanced Tactics Unit instructed DSS special agents on mechanical and hydraulic breaching techniques, potentially useful tools during critical incidents. Participants also rehearsed responses to medical emergencies; chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high yield explosives incidents; and attacks on protective details.

“The USUN’s detail routinely invites NYFO leadership to participate, coach and observe the orientation,” said Supervisory Special Agent Jeff Jacob. “It’s a great opportunity to learn or refresh critical protective skills and integrate new ideas into the process of continuous improvement we have in place.” he added.

The DSS Domestic Training Branch observed the orientation, provided input on institutional standards, and captured best practices to integrate into the Basic Special Agent Course taught at the DSS Foreign Affairs Security Training Center in Blackstone, Virginia.

“The USUN detail has done an incredible job of standardizing and documenting their procedures. They are setting a great example for other details to follow, and we hope to use their practices as teaching examples at the training center, ” said Training Instructor Dave Melichar.

Special Agent Rebecca Hundley gave the orientation high marks.

“The skills are invaluable for what we might encounter on the job, and all permanent protective details could benefit from this training – I highly recommend it,” she said.