50 Facts About US Marshals

The Oldest Federal Law Enforcement Agency

The United States Marshals Service (USMS) holds a unique place in American history. As the oldest federal law enforcement agency, it has been a cornerstone of justice since its inception.

1. Oldest Federal Law Enforcement Agency: Established by the Judiciary Act of 1789, the USMS is the oldest federal law enforcement agency in the United States. Its creation marked the beginning of organized federal law enforcement.

2. Primary Function: The main role of the USMS is to enforce federal laws and protect the federal judiciary. This includes locating and arresting federal suspects, managing criminal assets, and operating the Federal Witness Protection Program.

3. Motto: "Justice, Integrity, Service" is the motto of the USMS, emphasizing its dedication to upholding the law and safeguarding the justice system.

4. Headquarters: The USMS headquarters is situated in Crystal City, Arlington County, Virginia, serving as the central hub for its operations.

5. Jurisdiction: Operating across the United States, the USMS covers 94 federal judicial districts with personnel stationed at over 400 locations.

Leadership and Structure

The USMS is structured to ensure efficient management and operation across its extensive jurisdiction.

6. Parent Agency: The USMS functions under the Department of Justice (DOJ), aligning its operations with federal law enforcement objectives.

7. Director and Deputy Director: Appointed by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, the director oversees the entire agency, with the deputy director serving as the principal deputy and first in line of succession.

8. United States Marshals: Each district has a U.S. Marshal appointed by the President, responsible for managing the local office and ensuring the federal judicial process runs smoothly.

9. Chief Deputy United States Marshal: As the senior career manager for each district, the Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal manages the office and staff.

10. Supervisory Deputy United States Marshal: This role involves supervising three or more deputy U.S. marshals and clerks, ensuring efficient local office operations.

Historical Figures and Evolution

Throughout its history, the USMS has been shaped by notable figures and significant organizational changes.

11. Deputy United States Marshal: Deputies perform all nonsupervisory roles, including fugitive apprehension and judicial security.

12. Historical Figures: Notable figures like Bat Masterson and Joseph Meek have served as U.S. Marshals, contributing to the agency's storied past.

13. Executive Office for U.S. Marshals: Established in 1956, this office supervised U.S. Marshals nationwide until it was replaced by the Office of the Director in 1969.

14. Formation of the U.S. Marshals Service: Formally established on May 12, 1969, by DOJ Order 415-69, this marked a significant organizational change, centralizing management under a single director.

Mission and Responsibilities

The USMS plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the American justice system through a variety of responsibilities.

15. Mission: The mission is to protect, defend, and enforce the American justice system, including providing personal protection for federal jurists and other threatened individuals.

16. Security Responsibilities: Ensuring the safety of judges, court officials, and trial participants, the USMS provides federal judicial security.

17. Fugitive Apprehension: Deputies conduct domestic and international fugitive investigations, playing a critical role in preventing violent crime.

18. Emergency Response: In high-threat and emergency events, the USMS performs security, rescue, and recovery activities.

19. Continuity of Government: The USMS ensures the continuity of government functions through planning and implementing emergency operations.

Specialized Support and Historical Duties

The USMS offers specialized support to enhance its operational capabilities and has historically provided unique security services.

20. Medic, Canine, and Tactical Support: Deputies provide medic, canine, and tactical communication support to missions, enhancing operational capabilities.

21. Audits and Inspections: Regular audits and inspections ensure compliance with standards and best practices.

22. Strategic National Stockpile Protection: The USMS protects the Strategic National Stockpile, coordinating with the CDC to ensure the safety of critical national assets.

23. Historical Duties: Historically, U.S. Marshals have protected African American students during the civil rights movement and escorted security for missile convoys.

24. Witness Protection Program: Operating the Federal Witness Protection Program, the USMS provides protection for witnesses in danger due to their testimony.

Transportation and Protection Services

Beyond its traditional roles, the USMS manages transportation and protection services critical to the federal justice system.

25. Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation System: The USMS manages JPATS, responsible for transporting federal prisoners and aliens.

26. Court Protection: Protecting federal courthouses and judicial personnel ensures the safe functioning of the federal judicial process.

27. Senior Government Officials Protection: The Office of Protective Operations provides protection for senior government officials, enhancing their safety.

28. Historical Figures Continued: John W. Marshall, the first African-American Director of the USMS, and James J. P. McShane, appointed by President Kennedy, are notable figures in its history.

Records and Historical Impact

The USMS maintains extensive records that provide insight into its operations and historical impact.

29. Local Law Enforcement Ambiguity: Historically, there has been ambiguity between federal and local law enforcement officials, highlighting the significant role of U.S. Marshals in territorial jurisdictions.

30. Administrative History: The administrative history is marked by significant organizational changes, including the establishment of the Executive Office in 1956 and the Office of the Director in 1969.

31. Record Group 527: The National Archives maintain records of the USMS under Record Group 527, including administrative history and records from various judicial districts.

32. Historical Records: Records include correspondence relating to significant cases, letters sent and received by deputies, and fiscal records like cash books and expense ledgers.

33. Southern Judicial District of Alabama: Records from 1885 to 1923 provide insight into the operations of the agency during that period.

34. Arizona Judicial District: Records from 1875 to 1923 showcase early law enforcement efforts in the region.

35. California Judicial District: Records from 1874 to 1919 include correspondence related to significant cases.

36. Florida Judicial District: Records from 1890 to 1927 include letters sent and received by deputies, as well as fiscal records.

37. Indiana Judicial District: Records from 1893 to 1915 include letters sent and received, and correspondence related to Chinese immigration cases.

38. Kansas Judicial District: Records from 1864 to 1918 include expenditure records, providing a financial perspective on operations.

39. Missouri Judicial District: Records from 1879 to 1883 include expenditure records.

40. Nevada Judicial District: Records from 1939 to 1950 include daily diaries, offering a detailed account of daily operations.

41. New York Judicial District: Records from 1845 to 1852 and 1868 include letters received and orders received.

42. South Dakota Judicial District: Records from 1893 to 1906 include letters sent, providing insight into communication activities.

43. Wyoming Judicial District: Records from 1873 to 1899 include various textual records.

44. U.S. Court for China: Records from 1935 to 1941 reflect the agency's international operations during that period.

Budget and Strategic Planning

The USMS's budget and strategic planning efforts ensure its continued effectiveness and adaptability.

45. Budget and Funding: The USMS requests $1,924,488,000 for the Salaries and Expenses appropriation in FY 2024, funding 5,781 positions, including 4,160 Deputy U.S. Marshals and 42 attorneys.

46. Historical Impact: The role of the U.S. Marshals has profoundly impacted the history of the United States, playing a crucial role in the nation's expansion.

47. Prosecutorial Emphasis: The USMS has adapted to changes in prosecutorial emphasis, ensuring its operations remain relevant and effective.

48. Strategic Plan: The strategic plan identifies mission challenges and strategies to mitigate them, guiding resource investment and improving operational performance.

49. Workforce and Infrastructure Transformation: Transformational change in workforce and infrastructure is required to implement the strategic plan, addressing workforce needs and upgrading infrastructure.

50. Legacy and Impact: The USMS continues to be a vital component of the federal justice system, ensuring the safe and effective functioning of the federal judicial process. Its legacy is marked by its commitment to justice, integrity, and service.

The Legacy of US Marshals

US Marshals have been a cornerstone of American law enforcement since 1789. Their role in enforcing federal laws and protecting the judiciary is crucial. From fugitive apprehension to the Federal Witness Protection Program, their responsibilities are vast and vital. They ensure the safety of judges, court officials, and witnesses, playing a pivotal role in the justice system. The agency's history is rich with notable figures like Bat Masterson and John W. Marshall, reflecting its diverse and impactful legacy. With a budget of nearly $2 billion, the USMS continues to adapt to modern challenges, ensuring justice and security across the nation. Their commitment to "Justice, Integrity, Service" remains unwavering. As they face future challenges, their strategic plan and dedication to transformation will keep them at the forefront of law enforcement. The US Marshals Service is a testament to enduring service and protection.