Deputy United States Marshal

Deputy U.S. Marshals getting sworn in after successful completion of the training academy, FLETC in Glynco, GA.

The United States Marshal Service was established in 1789 and is the oldest federal law enforcement agency within the Department of Justice. According to The United States Marshal Service Association site, the Marshal Service has approximately 3,829 deputy U.S. marshals and criminal investigators. The USMS has apprehended more fugitives than any other federal law enforcement agency combined. Deputy U.S. Marshals are known as the enforcement arm of the U.S. Federal Courts. Marshals are tasked to serve federal arrest warrants, capture fugitives, transfer prisoners and oversee the witness protection program. Deputies are directly put up against the most dangerous criminals in the world.

There are certain qualifications that a potential deputy must meet. According to the U.S. Marshal Service site, some of the qualifications include being a United States citizen; being between the ages of 21 and 36; must have a bachelor’s degree, 1 year of specialized experience in the law enforcement field (or both); successfully completing a structured interview and other assessments; successful completion of a background investigation; must meet medical qualifications; pass a drug test; and be in excellent physical condition.

Upon successful completion of becoming a deputy, one must complete training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia. FLETC for short, this training academy provides hands on training for law enforcement professionals to assist them in fulfilling their responsibilities safely. After FLETC, the deputy is then relocated to the district with the highest need for a mandatory three years, at which point they can change districts if they desire.

In speaking with Senior Inspector F. Johnson, she explains her job duties, passions, responsibilities, benefits, and challenges about becoming and currently being a Deputy United States Marshal. She also expands on being a female in a male dominated field. Ultimately, deputies are a vital part in protecting the federal judiciary and should be greatly appreciated.