DIPLOMATIC COURIER TRANSPORTATION
(CT:DS-343; 01-06-2021)
(Office of Origin: DS/C/DC)
12 FAM 161 GENERAL POLICY
(CT:DS-343; 01-06-2021)
a. Posts must exercise sound security practice and maintain mechanically safe vehicles in accordance with 15 FAM 957.3, Motor Vehicle Safety Management Program Requirements, when transporting diplomatic couriers to and from port of entry or departure in time to meet processing requirements with their classified diplomatic pouches.
b. With prior diplomatic courier approval, the vehicles designated to transport diplomatic couriers may be used to transport embassy employees, Locally Employed Staff (LE Staff), or other personnel to and from airports. The diplomatic courier has the final authority to refuse this request.
c. All mission movement must be in accordance with regional security office (RSO) post policy.
12 FAM 162 VEHICLES
12 FAM 162.1 General
(CT:DS-343; 01-06-2021)
a. Security standards and sound mechanical condition of vehicles must be maintained in accordance with 15 FAM 957.3, Motor Vehicle Safety Management Program Requirements, to avoid breakdowns or accidents while diplomatic couriers are in possession of classified material. Open, flat-bedded trucks are not acceptable to transport diplomatic courier-accompanied classified diplomatic pouches. Doors, locks, and windows must function properly.
b. When security conditions warrant, the diplomatic courier must be transported in accordance with post policy (i.e., armored vehicle).
c. Diplomatic couriers are authorized to use taxis, or other nongovernmental conveyance, only in emergencies or when official transportation is not available in accordance with post policy.
12 FAM 162.2 Diplomatic or Consular License Plates
(CT:DS-343; 01-06-2021)
a. Diplomatic couriers and classified diplomatic pouches should be transported to and from airports in vehicles bearing diplomatic or consular license plates.
b. Posts may designate vehicles bearing other types of license plates to transport diplomatic couriers and classified diplomatic pouches if the use of a vehicle with diplomatic or consular license plates is not safe due to local security conditions. This decision does not require Department approval, but the post should inform the Office of the Diplomatic Courier Service (DS/C/DC) and the RDCO of such situations.
c. A non-U.S. Government or contract vehicle may be used if required by the size of the classified diplomatic pouch shipment or other operational concerns. This decision does not require Department approval, but the post should inform DS/C/DC and RDCO of such situations.
12 FAM 162.3 COMMUNICATIONS
(CT:DS-343; 01-06-2021)
The post should equip any vehicle used to transport classified diplomatic pouches with a communication device capable of contacting the post’s base station and emergency personnel.
12 FAM 163 REPORTING AND CORRECTING DISCREPANCIES
(CT:DS-343; 01-06-2021)
a. Diplomatic couriers must report vehicles that do not comply with the established standards in 15 FAM 957.3, Motor Vehicle Safety Management Program Requirements, to the RSO and the RDCO or Diplomatic Courier Hub.
b. The post is responsible for remedying any deficiencies and providing suitable modes of transportation.
12 FAM 164 THROUGH 169 UNASSIGNED