5-09/270.10 - Diplomatic Officers



Ambassadors and Ministers are the highest ranking diplomatic representatives of foreign government.  Other diplomatic titles are Minister Counselor, Counselor, First Secretary, Second Secretary, Third Secretary and Attache.  These officials are located either in Washington D.C. or in New York City.  It is unlikely, therefore, that a diplomatic officer would come into contact with personnel of this Department in a situation in which immunity would be an issue; however, it should suffice to point out that diplomatic officers, their families, official staff and servants, not nationals of or permanent residents in the receiving state, are protected by unlimited immunity from arrest, detention or prosecution with respect to any civil or criminal offense.

Diplomatic officers bear blue-bordered state department credentials; embassy administrative and technical staff who have the same level of immunity bear green-bordered state department credentials.