Legal Definitions - Defense Investigative Service

Definition: The Defense Investigative Service (DIS) is now known as the Defense Security Service (DSS). It is a unit in the U.S. Department of Defense that is responsible for conducting personnel investigations and providing industrial-security products and services to the Department and other agencies.

Example: The DSS conducts background checks on individuals who need access to classified information or secure facilities. They also provide training and guidance to companies that work with the Department of Defense to ensure that their facilities and information are secure.

Explanation: The example illustrates how the DSS conducts personnel investigations to ensure that individuals who have access to classified information or secure facilities are trustworthy and do not pose a security risk. The DSS also provides industrial-security products and services to companies that work with the Department of Defense to help them maintain a secure environment.