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Working at the U.S. Marshals Service

The U.S. Marshals Service values many skill sets both out in the field conducting law enforcement operations as a Deputy U.S. Marshal as well as behind the scenes in the agency's 94 districts and its headquarters in Arlington, Virginia.

The Marshals requires the expertise and dedicated work of a diverse staff of administrative personnel to meet its mission requirements. The U.S. Marshals also seek qualified applicants to act as detention and aviation enforcement officers to assist in the prisoner transportation and operations division of the agency.

People holding right hands for oath

Program Overview

Created in 1789, the U.S. Marshals Service was the first federal law enforcement agency in the United States. The Marshals Service occupies a uniquely central position in the federal justice system. It is the enforcement arm of the federal courts, involved in virtually every federal law enforcement initiative.

The duties of the U.S. Marshals Service include protecting the federal judiciary, apprehending federal fugitives, managing and selling seized assets acquired by criminals through illegal activities, housing and transporting federal prisoners and operating the Witness Security Program.

Deputy U.S. Marshals

The U. S. Marshals Service is seeking highly qualified men and women from diverse backgrounds for an exciting and challenging career as a Deputy U.S. Marshal. Currently the U.S. Marshals Service is utilizing its Excepted Service hiring authority to recruit for the Deputy U.S. Marshal position.

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Detention Enforcement Officer

Detention Enforcement Officer positions are available within any of the 94 districts throughout the continental United States. The available duty location(s) will be listed on the posted job announcement. Applicants will have an opportunity to select their preference in duty location(s) when applying to the position on USA Jobs.

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Aviation Enforcement Officer

The Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation System's (JPATS) mission is to transport federal prisoners in support of the American Justice System. The Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation System is responsible for scheduling and transporting pretrial and sentenced prisoners and criminal and noncriminal aliens throughout the United States and its territories and to and from foreign countries.

This includes transportation of U.S. Marshal Service detainees, Bureau of Prisons (BOP) prisoners, and on a space-available basis, U.S. military and State and local Government prisoners. On average, Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation System completes over 280,000 prisoner movements per year.

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Administrative/Professional/Technical Positions

The United States Marshals Service is the nation's oldest and most versatile federal law enforcement agency. The missions of the Service include protection of the judiciary, court security, witness security, asset seizure and forfeiture, fugitive apprehension, prisoner transportation and custody.

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Students

For more information on our Student Volunteer Internship Program, please send an email to: USMS.StudentVolunteer@usdoj.gov

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Judicial Security

Protecting federal judicial officials — judges, attorneys and jurors is a core mission for the U.S. Marshals. Deputy Marshals employ the latest security techniques and devices during highly sensitive trials throughout the nation.

Transporting Prisoners/Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation System (JPATS​)​​​​​​

In 1995, the U.S. Marshals created an efficient and effective system for transporting prisoners and criminal aliens. Managed by the U.S. Marshals, Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation System (JPATS) is one of the largest transporters of prisoners in the world, handling more than 1,070 requests every day to move prisoners between judicial districts, correctional institutions, and foreign countries. JPATS completes more than 275,400 prisoner and alien movements annually via coordinated air and ground systems.

Fugitive Operations

The U.S. Marshals is the federal government's primary agency for conducting fugitive investigations and apprehend more federal fugitives than all other law enforcement agencies combined. Working with authorities at the federal, state, and local levels, U.S. Marshals-lead fugitive task forces assist in the arrest of state and local fugitives across the country.

The U.S. Marshals is the premier agency to apprehend 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 support of its international fugitive investigative mission, the USMS has established foreign field offices in Jamaica, Mexico and the Dominican Republic. The U.S. Marshals also maintains successful law enforcement liaison programs along the borders of Mexico and Canada. Also, the U.S. Marshals Service enjoys a mutually beneficial relationship with the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service and holds key positions at Interpol.

Sex Offender Investigations

The U.S. Marshals Service sex offender investigations mission is to protect the public from sex offenders through the coordinated enforcement of sex offender registration laws.

With the passage of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006, the U.S. Marshals Service was designated as the lead federal agency to investigate violations of federal sex offender registration laws and to assist state, local, tribal and territorial jurisdictions in locating and apprehending sex offenders who fail to comply with their sex offender registration requirements. The Marshals collaborate with those partner agencies to aggressively investigate and pursue non-compliant offenders, placing the highest priority on those who have committed violent acts and crimes against children.

Missing Child Program

The U.S. Marshals Service supports the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's (NCMEC) mission to protect children from victimization by providing assistance to federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

The Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015 enhanced the U.S. Marshals’ authority to assist federal, state and local law enforcement with the recovery of missing, endangered or abducted children, regardless of whether a fugitive or sex offender was involved.

The Marshals established a Missing Child Unit to oversee and manage the implementation of its enhanced authority under the act.

Prisoner Operations

The Marshals Service houses over 55,000 detainees in federal, state, local and private jails throughout the nation. In order to house these pre-sentenced prisoners, the Marshals Service contracts with approximately 1,800 state and local governments to rent jail space. Seventy-five percent of the prisoners in Marshals Service custody are detained in state, local and private facilities; the remainder are housed in Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) facilities.

Tactical Operations

Each year the U.S. Marshals Service carries out hundreds of special missions related to its broad law enforcement authority and judicial security responsibilities. It also responds to homeland security crises and national emergencies.

The U.S. Marshals Service Special Operations Group (SOG) is a specially trained, tactical unit comprised of Deputy Marshals, who can respond immediately to incidents anywhere in the United States or its territories.

Asset Forfeiture

The U.S. Marshals Service is responsible for managing and disposing of seized and forfeited properties acquired by criminals through illegal activities. Under the auspices of the Department of Justice's Asset Forfeiture Program, the Marshals currently manage nearly $2.2 billion worth of property, and promptly disposes of assets forfeited by all Department of Justice agencies.

The Program's goal is to maximize the net return from forfeited property and then reinvest the proceeds for law enforcement purposes.

Witness Security

The U.S. Marshals ensures the safety of witnesses, who risk their lives 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.

The successful operation of the Witness Security Program has been recognized as providing a unique and valuable tool in the government's battle against major criminal enterprises and international terrorism. Witness Security Program personnel are the world's leading authorities and foremost experts on witness security matters, providing guidance and training to numerous government officials throughout the world.

The U.S. Marshals Service does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual harassment), national origin, age, disability (physical or mental), sexual orientation, reprisal, parental status, or any other non-merit factor.

The U.S. Marshals Service is committed to providing equal employment opportunity; eliminating discrimination in employment; and maintaining an environment that is free from any form of prohibited discrimination.

The U.S. Marshals Service will provide a prompt, fair, and impartial review of any allegations of discrimination.

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If you have career or employment questions, please

What are the qualifications to become a Deputy U.S. Marshal?
  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Must be between the ages of 21 and 36 (must be appointed before 37th birthday)
  • Must have a bachelor's degree, three years of qualifying work experience, or a combination of education and experience equivalent to the GL-07 level
  • Must have a valid driver's license in good standing
  • Must successfully complete a structured interview and other assessments
  • Must successfully complete a background investigation
  • Must meet medical qualifications
  • Must be in excellent physical condition
  • Must undergo a rigorous 21 ½ week basic training program at the U.S. Marshals Service Training Academy in Glynco, GA

For information regarding internships, please email USMS.StudentVolunteer@usdoj.gov

How do I become a Deputy U.S. Marshal?

Please visit the Qualifications page for position requirements and set up your USAJOBS account to notify you when Deputy U.S. Marshals job announcements are posted.

When will the United States Marshals Service be hiring?

Applications for Deputy U.S. Marshal Positions are ONLY accepted through the USAJOBS site during posted announcement open periods. We encourage all interested applicants to create or update their existing USAJOBS accounts and to set up their notice for U.S. Marshals Service job postings.

Hiring campaigns cannot be predicted, as they are dependent on a variety of factors to include:

  • Retirements
  • Departures
  • Funding

Information about hiring and recruitment will be posted on our website. Individuals interested in becoming a Deputy U.S. Marshal are encouraged to create or update their existing USAJOBS accounts and to set up their notice for U.S. Marshals Service job postings. You may also contact your local district recruiting officer.

How long is the hiring process?

The hiring process may take from 9-12 months depending on the various assessment phases.

What are the time requirements for military personnel/ college seniors who are approaching their separation/graduation date?

Individuals must be available to attend the training academy within 160 days of applying.

Where is the nearest United States Marshals Service office?

The U.S. Marshal Service office nearest you can be found on our District Map.

Where will I be assigned to work as a Deputy U.S. Marshal?

Deputy U.S. Marshals positions may be placed within any of the 94 districts throughout the continental United States. Applicant candidates will be assigned in the hiring regions under which they apply and to those city locations based on the need of the U.S. Marshals Service.

All candidates are required to remain at their initial duty station for a minimum of three years. A mobility agreement and memorandum of understanding must be signed prior to employment.

What is the starting pay/benefits of a Deputy U.S. Marshal?

Please refer to the 2020 General Schedule (GS) Locality Pay Tables for salary information.

The salary information provided is an approximation. Actual salary is determined by the geographic location in which employed.

What will I learn at the training academy?
  • Legal Training
  • Court Security
  • Firearms Training
  • Computer Training
  • Defensive Tactics
  • Officer Survival
  • Physical Conditioning
  • Building Entry Search
  • Driver Training
  • Search Seizure
  • First Aid
  • High Threat Trials
  • Courtroom Evidence Procedure
  • Protective Service Training
  • Prisoner Search Restraint
  • Surveillance
Where is the training academy located?

Training to become a Deputy U.S. Marshal is conducted at the U.S. Marshals Service Training Academy in Glynco, GA. Glynco is located near Brunswick, GA, midway between Savannah, GA and Jacksonville, FL.

What are the fitness standards?

The U.S. Marshals Service Fitness-In-Total Certification test consists of four individual assessments including the following:

  1. 1.5 Mile Run
  2. 1 Minute Push Up Test
  3. 1 Minute Sit Up Test
  4. Sit and Reach Test

For more information, visit the Fitness Program Information Overview page.

  • Be the Difference

The Best People for the Job: US Marshals Dog Handler

The U.S. Marshals K-9 program is a top-tier defense measure for our federal courthouses, sweeping high profile trials for explosives and firearms. They also have the ability to find guns and ammo during fugitive investigations and are some of our best ambassadors to the public. These jobs take a special kind of dog, more loyal to scent than they are to good behavior. It also takes a special kind of deputy to "handle" them. SDUSM Triana Luce says her high voice makes her prefect for the position since dogs respond to her pitch. As an ATF trained dog handler and trainer she has had multiple scent- trained dogs, which she adopts as pets after they serve a complete career in law enforcement. She says in a career that attracts alpha personalities a dog handler position forces you to take a back seat and, at times, let the dogs drive the job. All of our Explosive K-9s are trained by our federal partner agency ATF at their Canine Training Center in Virginia where they say it's not as much training the dog as training the team of dog and handler to understand each other and work as scent finding team. To learn more about careers in the U.S. Marshals Service visit U.S. Marshals Careers.

Flying Justice: U.S. Marshals Prisoner Transportation

The U.S. Marshals' Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation System (JPATS) manages the coordination, scheduling and secure handling of prisoners in federal custody, transporting them to detention facilities, courts and correctional institutions via a network of aircraft, buses, vans and cars. Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation System (JPATS) is the largest transporter of prisoners in the United States, supporting the federal judiciary, U.S. Marshals district offices and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation System (JPATS) is the only government-operated, regularly-scheduled passenger airline in the nation. It transports prisoners using more than 40 airlift sites throughout the U.S. and its territories. Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation System (JPATS) air operations are conducted using JPATS-owned and -leased aircraft operated by specially trained aviation security staff, expert pilots, medical personnel and experienced mechanics. Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation System (JPATS) operates a fleet of aircraft to move prisoners over long distances more economically and with higher security than commercial airlines.

Mentoring Marshals

Assistant Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Rachel Gibson said she never imagined as a little girl that she would grow up to be in law enforcement. Now she sees it as her duty to pass on her knowledge to a new generation of deputies so they, too, can be the difference.

Fugitive hand-cuffed

We are committed to investing in the workforce, including recruiting only the best, career development and advancement opportunities, and a focus on the safety and wellness of all of our employees.

Director Davis
Three young girls chatting - one is wearing Hijab

The U.S. Marshals Service requires the expertise and dedicated work of a diverse staff of administrative personnel to meet its mission requirements. Administrative positions are found in all 94 judicial districts and at the Headquarters of the U.S. Marshals Service.

Administrative, Professional and Technical Positions
A plane and a man

The U.S. Marshals Service, district of Puerto Rico, Asset Forfeiture Section conducted a preview of six air-crafts in Aguadilla on Aug. 29, 2012

Asset Forfeiture Aircraft Auction
A hand-cuffed prisoner is getting into prison

Detention Enforcement Officers (DEOs) (1802s) are responsible for the care of prisoners in USMS custody. They also are tasked with the responsibility of conducting administrative remedies for the U.S. Marshal. DEOs can be seen transporting, booking and securing federal prisoners while in USMS custody. They also provide courtroom safety and cell block security.

Detention Enforcement Officers
Many pistols

U.S. Marshals Gang Operations continued helping local law enforcement get gangs, drugs and weapons off the streets of Atlanta

Atlanta Gangs Operation Zero Deep
Police officers on an plane stairs

Aviation Enforcement Officers (AEOs) are responsible for the care of prisoners via aircraft transportation with the Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation System (JPATS).

Aviation Enforcement Officers

Benefits and Compensation

Below you will find information pertaining to compensation, promotion potential and benefits for various positions within the U.S. Marshals Service.

Benefits

Retirement

New employees are covered under Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) which includes a 3-tier system:

  1. Pension Plan: vested after 5 year
  2. Social Security
  3. Thrift Savings Plan - up to 5% employer match

Federal law enforcement officers are eligible for retirement after 25 years of service or at 50 years old, with 20 years of service. The mandatory retirement age is 57.

Military experience may increase years for retirement, but cannot be substituted for 20 years of law enforcement experience.

Leave

Annual Leave

The amount of annual leave earned is based on the number of years of Federal service.

Employees are eligible for several types of paid time off including annual leave, sick leave and federal holidays.

Employees earn 13 to 26 days of annual leave per year based on their length of federal service.

Note: Most military time is creditable toward leave accrual; therefore, a majority of the military will be in the 6-hour leave category.

Sick Leave

All employees earn 4 hours of sick leave per pay period regardless of the number of years of federal service.

Sick leave is earned at the rate of 13 days per year, and it does not include a maximum limit.

Federal Holiday

Employees receive 11 paid federal holidays each year. Some employees who are required to work during federal holidays are eligible for premium pay.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

The Family and Medical leave Act allows "eligible" employees to take leave for up to 12 work weeks in any 12 month period for the birth or adoption of a child, to care for a family member, or if the employee themselves has a serious health condition.

Employees may earn 12 weeks of Parental Leave after one year of federal service.

Health Benefits

Life Insurance

  • Automatic enrollment in the Federal Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) plan with Basic Life only
  • Cost is shared by the employee and the government
  • Employee may waive coverage

Employee must be enrolled in Basic Life to elect the Optional Coverage:

  • Option A - Standard: additional $10,000; employee pays full cost of insurance.
  • Option B - Additional: election of an amount to 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 times employees’ annual basic pay; employee pays the full cost of this insurance.
  • Option C - Family: covers eligible family members; employee pays the full cost of this insurance.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Employee Assistance Program is a confidential, voluntary program designed to help employees and their family members resolve problems that may occur on or off the job. Assistance can be received in personal issues, family/close relationship issues, and work issues.

Compensation

The salary information provided in Federal Employee Schedules and Locality Pay Tables is an approximation. Actual salary is determined by the employee’s wage schedule and geographic location in which employed.

Deputy U.S. Marshals salary and wage information if located under the Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) General Schedule Locality Pay Tables

Availability Pay is a type of premium pay that is paid to eligible Federal Law Enforcement Officers (LEO's) who are properly classified as criminal investigators in the GS-1811 series.