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Veteran Careers with the U.S. Marshals Service

U.S. Marshals Careers for Veterans

The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) has served the nation since 1789, making it the oldest federal law enforcement agency in the U.S. Much of its work goes unseen by the general public. The USMS is the enforcement arm of the federal court system. Deputies participate in nearly every federal law enforcement activity. USMS has 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 federal law enforcement agencies, you have several career paths, from direct law enforcement roles to behind-the-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 fugitives. In 2014, the U.S. Marshals arrested more than 33,500 federal fugitive felons and cleared 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 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 nationwide.

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 commonwealths 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 manage and dispose of nearly $2.2 billion in property.

Witness Security (WitSec): The U.S. Marshals ensure the safety of witnesses who are at risk of testifying for the government in cases involving organized crime and other significant criminal activities. Since 1971, the Marshals have protected, relocated, and given new identities to more than 8,500 witnesses and more than 9,900 of their family members.

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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• Federal Agencies Looking to Hire Veterans
• Federal Law Enforcement Jobs at the Dept. of Justice
• Paid Federal Internships for Veterans
• Criminal Justice Degree Programs
• Criminal Justice Scholarships
• Top 10 Careers and Industries For Veterans
• Veteran Job Opportunities with the U.S. Secret Service

 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the main career paths with the U.S. Marshals Service?

The U.S. Marshals Service offers three main career paths: Deputy Marshals, Detention and Aviation Enforcement, and Administration. Deputy U.S. Marshal duties could include Judicial Security, Transporting Prisoners/JPATS, Fugitive Operations, Foreign Fugitives, Prisoner Operations, Special Operations Group, Asset Forfeiture, or Witness Security

Are there special hiring rules for veterans at the U.S. Marshals Service?

Yes, veterans may have some educational and experience requirements waived and are given priority for federal law enforcement jobs. Veterans are also eligible to apply for Veterans’ Preference Points.

How can I apply for a Deputy U.S. Marshal position?

To apply for a Deputy U.S. Marshal position, you must submit your application through the USAJOBS website during the open announcement periods. For more information, visit the U.S. Marshals Service website or contact their recruitment office.