The Regional Security Officer (RSO) is a Diplomatic Security Service Special Agent, assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Iceland. The RSO serves as the personal advisor to the ambassador on all security issues and coordinates all aspects of the Embassy’s security program. The RSO develops and implements effective security programs to protect our embassy employees from terrorist, criminal, and technical attack both at work and at home. The RSO receives valuable assistance in this effort from other Diplomatic Security personnel, U.S. Navy Seabees, local guards, local investigators, security engineering officers, and host government officials. RSOs serve as the primary liaison with foreign police and security services overseas in an effort to obtain support for U.S. law enforcement initiatives and investigations.
In addition, RSOs provide unclassified security briefings and other professional security advice to U.S. business executives overseas and serve as a liaison to the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC). The Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) was created by the Secretary of State to promote an open dialogue between the U.S. Government and the American private sector on security issues abroad.
Bringing terrorists to justice and preventing acts of terrorism is one of the greatest priorities for the RSO. The Rewards for Justice Program is one of the most valuable assets the U.S. Government has in the fight against international terrorism. Under this program, the Secretary of State may offer rewards of up to $5 million for information that prevents or favorably resolves acts of international terrorism against U.S. persons or property worldwide. Rewards also may be paid for information leading to the arrest or conviction of terrorists attempting, committing, conspiring to commit, or aiding and abetting in the commission of such acts. People with information on any past or planned act of international terrorism against the United States anywhere in the world are urged to contact the nearest FBI office, the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, or the RSO at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
