Tactical Operation Division (TOD) plays a key role in COVID-19 related operations and vaccination efforts.
In response to the interdepartmental request and the Attorney General Order placed on January 28, 2020, regarding the fast-spreading coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the Tactical Operations Division engaged in supporting quarantine orders for the Department of Health and Human Service (HHS) and the Strategic National Stockpile Security Operations (SNSSO). During the months of January and February of 2020, the U.S. government repatriated 808 U.S. citizens, residents, and their families from Hubei Province, China, and the repatriation of 329 U.S. citizens or residents from the Diamond Princess Cruise Ship. After arriving in the United States, the repatriated travelers were quarantined on five separate military installations where the Tactical Operations Division Strategic National Stockpile Security Operations enforced the quarantine and isolation orders by staffing 24-hour posts along the perimeter of installed fencing, ensuring ingress/egress of only authorized personnel, and providing security at those locations.
This was not a traditional Tactical Operations Division mission nor considered a traditional United States Marshals Service traumatic event. However, being named the lead security agency for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) response, the Tactical Operations Division reacted with a multifaceted approach. Within hours the Incident Management Team (IMT) was activated, and within 24 hours team members were en-route to all locations to support the Tactical Operations Division Strategic National Stockpile Security Operations. The Incident Management Team coordinated the comprehensive logistics plans, management, and sustainment of 250 Deputy U.S. Marshals, resources and assets assigned to the mission.
Today, Tactical Operations Division is working hand-in-hand with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to provide security for COVID-19 vaccines from the facilities where they are manufactured to distribution sites.