If working for the federal government appeals to you, consider becoming a U.S. Marshal. As the country’s oldest and most flexible federal law enforcement division, the career field offers diversity and intrigue. Marshals hold a central place in the federal justice system. Because of this, they are responsible for many duties. Five main ones include:
• Fugitive operations
• Judicial security
• Witness security
• Tactical operations
• Prisoner transportation
Fugitive Operations
The U.S. Marshals division is the government’s go-to agency when it comes to fugitive investigations. In fact, the Marshals detain more fugitives than all of the country’s other law enforcement divisions combined. If your natural talents include developing relationships with others, then this line of work will suit you because as a U.S. Marshal, you may need to create close ties with other law enforcement agencies. If you like to travel, then you’ll appreciate working for this division since the Marshals are responsible for tracking American fugitives in foreign countries and transferring them back into the United States to face their crimes.
Judicial Security
U.S. Marshals provide protection, so if keeping people safe interests you, consider applying for this sector. As a Marshal, you’ll protect judges, attorneys and jurors when they are working on cases involving dangerous criminals. For this division of the job, you’ll have access to the most recent security techniques and equipment to keep people secure. Marshals are vital to courthouse security, and in this role, you’ll seize weapons and other banned items from those who would seek to bring them into judicial proceedings. To ensure longtime safety of court employees, you may even work on courthouse construction projects.
Witness Security
One of the most important duties of the U.S. Marshals agency is to ensure the safety of court witnesses who are putting their lives at risk to testify against dangerous criminals. The agency is responsible for protecting, relocating and establishing new identities for witnesses. Due to the success of the Witness Security Program, it has become an important tool in the country’s fight against criminal organizations and international terrorism. The U.S. Marshals division has developed into the world’s foremost authority when it comes to witness security situations. They even provide guidance and training for other government agencies throughout the world.
Tactical Operations
Every year, the U.S. Marshals complete special missions involving law enforcement and judicial security. If you become a Marshal, you may wind up on the frontlines of a homeland security crisis. You will also provide aid during national emergencies. When you work in the tactical operations division, you’ll receive special training to prepare you to react immediately when urgent situations occur within the United States or any of its territories. To be successful in this division, you must keep important information secret because you may work on sensitive and classified missions.
Prisoner Transportation
A merger in 1995 brought the U.S. Marshals into the business of transporting prisoners. With the merger in place, the task became efficient and effective. The agency has also become one of the biggest conveyors of prisoners throughout the world. If you decide to work for this division, you’ll be moving prisoners between judicial districts, foreign countries and correctional institutions. This is a good position for those who like order in their lives since moving prisoners is a methodical process. Consider applying for this area of the U.S. Marshals if you like to travel and have a desire to keep people safe.
A Captivating Career
To work as a U.S. Marshal, you must earn your bachelor’s degree. You’ll also need a year of specialized experience. This can include training within the legal field or an internship that involves working with the public or prisoners. Job security and an intriguing career can be yours if you decide to become a U.S. Marshal.
You might like: What Kind of Salary Can I Expect From a Job in Criminal Justice?