Diplomatic and Consular Immunity: Guidance for Law Enforcement and Judicial Authorities

INTERNATIONAL LAW, TO WHICH THE UNITED STATES is fi rmly committed, requires that law enforcement authorities of the United States extend certain privileges and immunities to members of foreign diplomatic missions and consular posts. Most of these privileges and immunities are not absolute, and law enforcement officers retain their fundamental responsibility to protect and police the orderly conduct of persons in the United States. Th is booklet provides a guide to the categories of foreign mission personnel and the privileges and immunities to which each is entitled. It explains how to identify (and verify the identity of ) such persons and furnishes guidance
to assist law enforcement offi cers in the handling of incidents involving foreign diplomatic and consular personnel.