Veteran Careers with the U.S. Marshals Service
U.S. Marshals Careers for Veterans
The U.S. Marshals Service has served the nation since 1789, making the USMS the oldest federal law enforcement agency in the U.S. Much of their work goes unseen by the general public. The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) is the enforcement arm of the federal court system. Deputies participate in nearly every federal law enforcement activity. U.S. Marshals have jurisdiction in 94 federal judicial districts.
Special Hiring Rules for Veterans
Many of the educational and experience requirements may be waived for military veteran candidates. In addition, as a veteran, you are given priority for many federal jobs, especially in the case of federal law enforcement given that your training, experience and learned skills translate well into the law enforcement field.
If you are eligible, you can also apply for Veterans’ Preference Points. To learn more about Veterans’ Preference, click here.
U.S. Marshal Service Career Paths
Like many of the federal law enforcement agencies you have several career paths to choose from, from direct law enforcement roles to behind scenes careers in logistics and administration. The U.S. Marshal Service offers three main paths: Deputy Marshals, Detention and Aviation Enforcement, and Administration. For the sake of this article we will focus on the U.S. Marshal career opportunities.
Deputy U.S. Marshal Duties
Deputy Marshals serve in several specialized roles including Judicial Security, Prisoner Services, Special Missions and Programs. Asset Forfeiture, and Witness Security (WitSec).
Judicial Security – Protecting federal judicial officials (judges, attorneys and jurors) is a foundational mission for the U.S. Marshals.
Transporting Prisoners/JPATS – Marshals and the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement operate the Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation System (JPATS).
Fugitive Operations – Marshals are the government’s primary team for pursuing fugitive. In 2014, the U.S. Marshals arrested more than 33,500 federal fugitive felons, clearing 36,700 felony warrants – more than all other law enforcement agencies combined.
Foreign Fugitives – The U.S. Marshals is the premier agency for capturing foreign fugitives believed to be in the United States, and it is the agency responsible for locating and extraditing American fugitives, who flee to foreign countries. In 2014, the U.S. Marshals Service coordinated 883 extraditions/deportations.
The USMS also works with the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service and hold key positions at Interpol.
Prisoner Operations – The USMS detains prisoners in federal, state, local and private jails throughout the nation.
Special Operations Group – The USMS Special Operations Group is a specially trained, tactical unit made up of Deputy Marshals, who can respond immediately to incidents anywhere in the United States or its common wealths and territories.
Asset Forfeiture – The U.S. Marshals Service is responsible for managing and disposing of seized properties acquired by criminals through illegal activities. Marshals currently manages and disposes of nearly $2.2 billion in property.
Witness Security (WitSec) – The U.S. Marshals ensure the safety of witnesses, who are at risk for testifying for the government in cases involving organized crime and other significant criminal activities. The Marshals have protected, relocated and given new identities to more than 8,500 witnesses and more than 9,900 of their family members, since 1971.
Visit the U.S. Marshals Service website for specific eligibility and fitness requirements.
Deputy U.S. Marshal Hiring Programs
Hiring Opportunities – If you would like to pursue a career with the USMS, please visit USAJOBS.
Applications for Deputy U.S. Marshal Positions are ONLY accepted through the USAJOBS site during posted announcement open periods.
If you have career or employment questions, please call (703) 740-4001 or send an email to: usms.recruitment@usdoj.gov.
All applications must be submitted through USAJOBS
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About the author
Terry Howell is a retired Coast Guard veteran, where he served for 20 years.
He is currently the Executive Director for Veterans' Legacies, a non-profit that works to preserve veterans personal stories to help educate our youth.
Terry is also the author of The Military Advantage, an annually updated guide to military and veteran benefits.