Other U.S. Agencies in Belize

Regional Security Office (RSO) Belmopan

The Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS), the Department of State's security and law enforcement arm, does not formulate foreign policy.  It plays an essential behind the scenes role: to provide a safe and secure environment for the conduct of U.S. foreign policy.  Not only is DS a unique organization in the foreign affairs and U.S. law enforcement communities, it is the only law enforcement agency with representation in nearly every country in the world.

Diplomatic Security is more dedicated than ever to its mission of providing a secure living and working environment for Foreign Service colleagues.  DS special agents serving in regional security offices anchor overseas security efforts and provide the first line of defense for our personnel, their families, U.S. diplomatic missions, and national security information.

Since 2002, in addition to traditional duties, Regional Security Office (RSO) Belmopan has managed a large investigative program that has provided extensive assistance to local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.  Although requests for investigative assistance have covered nearly everything imaginable, three major categories include:

• Fugitive Investigations
• Abducted Children Investigations
• Stolen Vehicles

RSO Belmopan has worked in close coordination with the Belize Police Department to investigate, locate and return more than 50 fugitives to U.S. justice.  These cases have included:  cop-killers, murderers, pedophiles, child-pornographers, financial white-collar criminals, bank robbers and narcotic smugglers.  RSO has also investigated, located and returned three abducted (parental abduction) U.S. citizen children to their families in the U.S.  Finally, the RSO has investigated and helped return to the U.S. nearly US$1.5 million worth of stolen vehicles and boats.

Related articles from
U.S. News & World Report:
Trouble in Paradise - August 15, 2006

World Watch: In Belize, fugitive SUV's - August 16, 2005

Contact information:
Regional Security Officer
Patrick Joe Harms
tel: (501) 822-4011
e-mail: DS_RSO_Belize@state.gov