security review committee (SRC)
(CT:DS-455; 04-02-2026)
(Office of Origin: M/EX)
12 FAM 031 GENERAL PROVISIONS
12 FAM 031.1 Objective
(CT:DS-455; 04-02-2026)
The Security Review Committee (SRC) is an internal Department review process mandated by statute in the event of a serious security incident or serious breach of security involving intelligence activities of a foreign government. The SRC is intended to foster strengthened security measures of U.S. personnel and facilities abroad. The SRC process also is intended to support a culture of risk management and aims to institutionalize a culture of learning in evaluating and reviewing serious security incidents.
12 FAM 031.2 Authorities
(CT:DS-455; 04-02-2026)
a. Sections 301-305 of the Omnibus Diplomatic Support and Security Act of 1986, 22 USC §§ 4831-4835;
b. Section 9302 of the Diplomatic Support and Security Act of 2022 (P.L. 117-263)
c. Section 102(b) of the Diplomatic Support and Security Act of 1986: 22 USC §4801(b)
d. Section 7502 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (P.L. 118-159)
12 FAM 031.3 SRC Definitions
(CT:DS-455; 04-02-2026)
Act: The Diplomatic Support and Security Act of 2022.
COM: The Chief of Mission. See 1 FAM 013.2.
Days: Calendar days.
Department: The Department of State.
Party: Any person invited or otherwise required to participate in any investigation, hearing, or other official activity carried out as part of an SRC.
ROI: An administrative Report of Investigation prepared by the Security Investigative Team that includes elements required by the SRC statute using DS investigatory standards.
Secretary: The Secretary of State.
Section 140(c): Section 140(c) of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995, Public Law 103-236, as amended by Section 1(d) of Public Law 103-415 (October 25, 1994) (8 U.S.C. 1182 note).
SIT: Security Investigative Team.
SRC: Security Review Committee.
SRC Chair: The Executive Office of Management (M/EX), unless otherwise designated by the Secretary in a particular case.
SRC Secretariat: M/EX.
SRC Members: The permanent members of the committee (M/EX, DS A/S, and INR A/S); the A/S for the regional bureau responsible for the country where the incident occurred; as applicable, an A/S level official from any involved U.S. agency; and any other members designated by the Secretary.
SRC Representatives: Delegates who support the SRC process and make recommendations to the SRC Members.
SRC statute: Sections 301-305 of the Diplomatic Support and Security Act of 1986, 22 USC §§ 4831-4835
SSI: Serious Security Incident, which is defined in statute as involving loss of life, serious injury, or significant destruction of property at, or related to, a United States Government diplomatic mission abroad. For purposes of this FAM provision, SSI may also include a serious breach of security involving intelligence activities of a foreign government or organization directed at a USG mission abroad. See 12 FAM 034 for statutory exceptions.
12 FAM 031.4 Responsibilities
(CT:DS-455; 04-02-2026)
The incident review process is described in 12 FAH-12 H-010
a. All U.S. diplomatic posts must follow standard incident reporting requirements established by Diplomatic Security (DS), including an official cable notification of an initial report of a potential SSI no later than three days after such incident occurs, whenever feasible.
b. The Under Secretary for Management (M) directs DS to assemble a Security Investigative Team (SIT) within 10 days of receiving a report of a potential SSI.
c. When directed by the Secretary or M, the DS assistant secretary forms the SIT and reviews the SIT's composition for any conflict, appearance of conflict, or lack of independence, in line with established DS procedures, and on an expedited basis seeks approval from M for the composition of the SIT.
d. The Under Secretary for Management (M) approves the composition of the SIT. M will endeavor to respond within five days to DS' request for approval of the composition of the SIT.
e. The SIT investigates the potential SSI and independently establishes what occurred consistent with the statutory requirements. The SIT collects information, conducts interviews, reviews relevant information and evidence, and makes a written administrative ROI within 90 days of the occurrence of the potential SSI.
f. The Secretary convenes an SRC within 60 days of the occurrence of the potential SSI, or within 120 days of the potential SSI if the Secretary extends the period by 60 days. As appropriate, the Secretary may direct formation of a SIT and convene an SRC at the same time.
g. The SRC reviews the ROI and any other evidence, reporting, and relevant information related to a potential SSI. The SRC makes a written report to the Secretary no later than 60 days after receiving the ROI, unless the Secretary extends this period for an additional 60 days. The written SRC report provides a full account of what occurred, makes required determinations as set out in the SRC statute, and makes recommendations, as warranted.
h. The Bureau of Legislative Affairs (H) will provide the designated committees of Congress with the following: a notification within eight days of identifying a potential SSI; a notification promptly upon establishment of an SRC; a copy of any written SRC report after seeing it to the required congressional committees no later than 90 days after the Secretary receives it.
i. Nothing in this section precludes the Secretary from directing the formation of a SIT or an SRC following an initial report of a potential SSI.
12 FAM 032 ORGANIZATION
12 FAM 032.1 Security Review Committee Membership
(CT:DS-455; 04-02-2026)
a. Consistent with the SRC statute, the SRC members are:
(1) the Executive Director of the Executive Office for Management (M/EX);
(2) the Assistant Secretary responsible for the region where the incident occurred;
(3) the Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security (DS);
(4) the Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research (INR);
(5) an assistant secretary-level representative from any involved USG department or agency; and
(6) other personnel determined to be necessary or appropriate.
b. An SRC member generally may not delegate to a subordinate the requirement to participate in the SRC. In the absence of the SRC member listed in a. above, the authorized SRC member may be an official authorized to perform the duties of the SRC member listed in a. above by operation of federal law or through delegation of authority from the Secretary. Generally, in the absence of an assistant secretary, the authorized official would be the principal deputy assistant secretary.
c. The Director of M/EX serves as the chair of the SRC, unless otherwise directed by the Secretary in a particular case.
d. M/EX will coordinate with other government departments or agencies; and other personnel determined to be necessary or appropriate.
e. A representative from the Office of the Legal Adviser (L) advises the SRC and participates in all meetings.
12 FAM 032.2 Security Review Committee Support
(CT:DS-455; 04-02-2026)
a. SRC Secretariat: M/EX staff serves as the SRC Secretariat. The secretariat supports and coordinates the work of the SRC; serves as the institutional continuity and primary point of contact for SRC matters; oversees and ensure that relevant policies and procedures are adequate and up to date; maintains records and information related to the SRC; and manages an annual review by standing SRC members of the SRC's work during the previous 12 months.
b. SRC Representatives: Each SRC member will designate a senior-level representative to support their membership and participation in a particular SRC case.
c. The Office of the Legal Adviser (L) advises the SRC representatives.