Diplomatic Security’s Training Development Process Generally Adheres to Standards, but Evaluation Component Has Weaknesses

To ensure the quality and appropriateness of its training, Diplomatic  Security primarily adheres to Federal Law Enforcement Training  Accreditation standards, along with other statutory and State standards. In  2005, Diplomatic Security incorporated the FLETA standards into its  standard operating procedures, using a course design framework tailored  for the organization. To meet the combination of FLETA and other  standards, DSTC integrates both formal and informal feedback from  evaluations and other sources into its courses. DSTC’s Systems Do Not Have the Capability to Obtain Comprehensive Feedback on All Training

Because of difficulties obtaining satisfactory response rates for some  evaluations, identifying users of its distributed learning efforts, and  contacting non-State students, DSTC officials acknowledged that their  systems do not have the capability to obtain a comprehensive evaluation  of all of their training as required by their training framework. Diplomatic Security Generally Ensures That Personnel Follow Established Career Training Paths, but DSTC’s Systems Do Not Have the Capability to Track All Its Training

Diplomatic Security developed career training paths for its personnel that  identify the training required for each major job position at different  career levels. DSTC Uses Various Systems to Track Participation in Its Training

DSTC uses various systems to track participation in its training. DSTC Faces Significant Challenges to Carrying Out Its Expanded Mission

DSTC faces several challenges that affect its operations. In particular,  DSTC is faced with training Diplomatic Security personnel to meet their  new roles and responsibilities in Iraq as the U.S. military transfers to State  many of its protective and security functions for the U.S. diplomatic  presence. Moreover, several of the facilities do not meet DSTC’s training needs  and/or are in need of refurbishment. To meet some of its current needs, in  2007 DSTC developed an Interim Training Facility, and in 2009 State  allocated funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and  other acts to begin the process of building a consolidated training facility. State is in the process of identifying a suitable location for the facility. Without this  feedback, DSTC will be less able to ensure the effectiveness of and  improve the training it provides. Recommendations for Executive Action

We recommend that the Secretary of State  1.  develop or improve the process to obtain participant evaluations for all  of DSTC required training, including distributed learning efforts;  2.  develop or improve the process to track individual DSTC training  requirements and completion of DSTC training; and  3.  develop an action plan and associated time frames needed to carry out  the QDDR recommendation to increase the number of posts at which  FACT is required. Agency Comments and Our Evaluation

We provided a draft of this report to the Department of State. Appendix I: Scope and Methodology

We (1) evaluated how Diplomatic Security ensures the quality and  appropriateness of its training, (2) examined Diplomatic Security’s training  strategies for its personnel and other U.S. government personnel and how  Diplomatic Security ensures that training requirements are being met, and  (3) assessed the challenges that Diplomatic Security faces in meeting its  training mission. We also reviewed and analyzed data and documentation related to  Diplomatic Security-provided training efforts, such as standard operating  procedure, planning, performance, course development, course  evaluation, accreditation, and career development documents; information  and data on recent Diplomatic Security Training Center (DSTC)- and other  Diplomatic Security-provided course offerings; and overall funding for  training from 2006 to 2011.
Why GAO Did This Study

The Department of State's (State) Bureau of Diplomatic Security (Diplomatic Security) protects people, information, and property at over 400 locations worldwide and has experienced a large growth in its budget and personnel over the last decade. Diplomatic Security trains its workforce and others to address a variety of threats, including crime, espionage, visa and passport fraud, technological intrusions, political violence, and terrorism. To meet its training needs, Diplomatic Security relies primarily on its Diplomatic Security Training Center (DSTC). GAO was asked to examine (1) how Diplomatic Security ensures the quality and appropriateness of its training, (2) the extent to which Diplomatic Security ensures that training requirements are being met, and (3) any challenges that Diplomatic Security faces in carrying out its training mission. GAO examined compliance with accreditation processes; analyzed data and documentation related to the agency's training efforts; and interviewed officials in Washington, D.C., and five overseas posts.

What GAO Found

To ensure the quality and appropriateness of its training, Diplomatic Security primarily adheres to Federal Law Enforcement Training Accreditation (FLETA) standards, along with other standards. Diplomatic Security incorporated FLETA standards into its standard operating procedures, using a course design framework tailored for DSTC. To meet standards, DSTC also integrates both formal and informal feedback from evaluations and other sources to improve its courses. However, GAO found DSTC's systems do not have the capability to obtain feedback for some required training, including distributed learning efforts (interactive online course content). Without feedback, DSTC is less able to ensure the effectiveness of these efforts. Diplomatic Security developed career training paths for its personnel that identify the training required for selected job positions at different career levels. It uses various systems to track participation in its training, but DSTC's systems do not have the capability to track whether personnel have completed all required training. DSTC systems also are not designed to track training delivered through distributed learning. Diplomatic Security faces significant challenges to carrying out its training mission. DSTC must train Diplomatic Security personnel to perform new missions in Iraq as they take on many of the protective and security functions previously provided by the U.S. military. DSTC also faces dramatic increases in high-threat training provided to State and non-State personnel, but State does not have an action plan and time frames to manage proposed increases. These expanded training missions constrain DSTC's ability to meet training needs. In addition, many of DSTC's training facilities do not meet its training needs, a situation that hampers efficient and effective operations. To meet some of its needs, in 2007, DSTC developed an Interim Training Facility. In 2009, State allocated funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and other acts to develop a consolidated training facility; State is in the process of identifying a suitable location.

What GAO Recommends

GAO recommends that State enhance DSTC's course evaluation and tracking capabilities. GAO also recommends that State develop an action plan and time frames to address proposed increases in high-threat training. State reviewed a draft of this report and agreed with all of the recommendations.