Complete Career Guide on How to Become a US Marshal

how to become a US Marshall

U.S. marshals are highly regarded and rewarded, for they have the most significant arrest authority amongst all law enforcement officers. In the USA, the marshals take around 347 fugitives into custody on average every day.

While career growth and opening in the USMS depends upon the retirement of marshals, you can still work as the DEO, AEO, and deputy marshal. The agency recruits staff and agents throughout the year. Therefore, if you have the required qualifications, you can find a stable and sustaining position in the USMS. USMS is the oldest federal law enforcement organization established in 1789 to protect the nation and safeguard citizen’s interests.

How to Become a US Marshal

In this blog, we will discuss U.S. marshals’ jobs description, U.S. marshals salary, and job qualifications. You will also learn what additional skills you require and how old do you have to be to work at marshal service.

US Marshals Jobs Description

U.S. marshals fulfill a lot of duties. If you pursue this career, your primary job duty would be to protect federal witnesses, arrest fugitives, and transport federal criminals from court to prison and vice versa.

You will additionally ensure federal judges’ safety, oversee seized assets from criminals, take fugitives who have federal charges in custody, and provide assistance to other agents in arresting and investigating criminals and witnesses.

You may also operate the Asset Forfeiture Program that deals with the selling, seizing, and managing of assets of criminals firms and companies held under the federal jurisdiction.

U.S. marshals are one of the most critical agents in U.S. law enforcement because:

  • They are frequently assigned to fulfill many federal missions strategically inside the state and overseas.
  • All agents working in USMS have the authority to use tactics to seize fugitives and criminals, even if it means to cross the jurisdiction line.
  • They are the only law enforcement officers who have the power of arrest in other countries.

US Marshal Careers

The US Marshal Service (USMS) broadly classifies law enforcement agents into three types: Deputy US Marshal, Detention Enforcement Officer (DEO), and Aviation Enforcement Officer (AEO).

You can start your career as a deputy manager, DEO or AEO, and slowly pave your way to become a U.S. marshal.

P.S.: Federal Air Marshal Position does not fall under the USMS. They are part of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). It is an entirely different career where the candidate has to fulfill different qualifications.

Deputy US marshals: Protect the court and judges, detain federal criminals, interrogate criminals, seize illegal properties, run the Witness Security Program, and execute civil processes.

Detention Enforcement Officers (DEO): Oversee and manage prisoners and detainees, such as transport them from court to prison and vice-versa and conduct body searches.

Aviation Enforcement Officers (AEO): DEO and AEO have similar duties. However, AEO works with the aviation department and transports prisoners via airplane from state to state or country to country.

US Marshal Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), entry-level U.S. marshals (GL-07 level) earned an average of $50,000 in 2019.

US Marshal Age Requirements and Qualification

To qualify for the GL-07 level, you must have a proper education, experience, and age. Although you will find the details in the USMS website, outlining here is the list of qualifications you need to pursue the career:

  • Must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Hold at least a bachelor’s degree.
  • Must be between the ages of 21 and 36. It would be best if you were appointed as a USMS staff before you turn 37 years old.
  • A year of specialized experience in law enforcement
  • Must be mentally and physically fit. You will be asked to complete a medical test.
  • Must own a valid driving license with a clean driving record (no fatal accidents).

Additionally, you have to pass an assessment test, a structured interview, a background investigation, and undertake a training program at the USMS Training Academy, GA, to get a job in the U.S. marshal service agency.

[Also Read: How to Become a Correctional Officer]

How to Become US Marshal (GL-07 Level)

You need superior academic experience to qualify for deputy marshal, DEO, and AEO.

Educational Qualifications

  • Complete a bachelor’s degree in fields like law and litigation, criminal justice, enforcement, and sociology.
  • Gain first-hand experience in a criminal investigation, using firearms, running search operations, writing and filing reports, assisting cops in arresting fugitives, and executing warrants.

You must earn a GPS of 3.0 and above on all courses or a GPA of 3.5 and above on all significant fields of study, rank in the upper third class of subdivision, and be a member of the national honor society to be qualified as a superior academic achiever.

Apply for the Training

After the application process, you will have to face a structured interview, medical check, mental checkup, and background assessment. The application process usually takes 9 to 12 months at the USMS.

You must attend a 21 1/2 week U.S. marshal basic training at the USMS Training Academy(1), GA, within 60 days of applying for the position, and clear it successfully. All candidates must apply for the job through the USAJOBS portal only.

The training program covers both physical and practical training, including driver training, computers, physical fitness, courtroom evidence, court security, court procedures, search and arrest, and surveillance.

Sign the Mobility Agreement and Memorandum

After the training, you will be assigned a post in one of the 94 districts from the lower level states, where you will practice for 3 years or more before serving as a U.S. marshal at state and national level.

To advance in your career, you can obtain a doctorate in law and order or related fields. Marshals must oblige to the compulsory retirement policy at the age of 57. If you have served for more than 20 years, you can retire early and enjoy retirement benefits.