Safety and Security

Peace Corps takes the safety of all its U.S. overseas personnel very seriously. Without the Country Director providing leadership and ensuring that safety is a priority of all staff at their post, the Volunteers’ level of personal safety -- as well as their confidence in their Peace Corps post -- would be diminished.

In recent years, safety and security concerns have grown in scope and complexity.  Terrorism, pandemic flu, and a rise in violent crimes worldwide must now be considered alongside the day-to-day issues related to Volunteer safety, such as localized crime, natural disasters, home security and transportation.

There is an organization-wide expectation that everyone must take steps to ensure their personal safety and security.  Sometimes one of the most difficult, but necessary, duties of a Country Director is to take administrative action against a Volunteer or staff member who has demonstrated irresponsible behavior or ignored safety-related post or agency policies.

Country Directors must be attuned to the particular issues that impact their country and region; and they must be prepared to respond appropriately and swiftly if necessary.  Responses may range from diligent communication to Volunteers regarding a localized incident, to responding to a crime against a Volunteer, to a full-scale country evacuation of the Volunteer population.

While Country Directors are held responsible for ensuring that safety is a priority at their posts, Peace Corps provides a network of safety and security resources.  The Office of Safety and Security/Overseas Operations at Headquarters provides systematic policy and guidance on such matters as Volunteer transportation, developing emergency action plans and crime statistics analysis.

In addition, nine regionally-based Safety and Security Officers and three regional Safety and Security Desk Officers are available to provide guidance to Country Directors on a wide-range of safety and security issues.