U.S. Marshals Service

About this Agency

The U.S. Marshals Service is known commonly as the USMS, and is a federal law enforcement agency within the United States Department of Justice. The U.S. Marshals Service has the distinction of being known as the oldest law enforcement arm in the country. The U.S. Marshals Service was formed on September 24th, 1789 by Congress in the Judiciary Act of 1789.

The main responsibility of the U.S. Marshals Service is to apprehend fugitives, protect the federal judiciary, transport prisoners, and to protect witnesses. In the year 2007 alone, the Marshals captured roughly 36,000 fugitives.

Federal Marshals have many responsibilities that span beyond the general mission of the agency. They include: judicial security, transporting prisoners, investigative operations, prisoner operations, tactical operations, asset forfeiture, and witness security among other duties.

At this time, the U.S. Marshals Service is made up of 94 U.S. Marshals, 3,324 Deputy U.S. Marshals, and many criminal investigators.

Hiring Process and Eligibility

Qualifications to become a Federal Marshal include:

1. Must be a United States citizen
2. Between the ages of 21 and 36
3. A four year degree or three years of experience
4. A valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record
5. Meet fitness standards
6. Pass a formal interview
7. Meet medical qualifications
8. Pass a background investigation
9. Pass a 17.5 week training program at the U.S. Marshals Service Training Academy

The entire process can take up to 10 months, and in many cases longer.

Contact Information