Fact Sheet
U.S. Marshals Service
The U.S. Marshals Service is the nation’s oldest and most versatile federal law enforcement agency. Federal
Marshals have served the country since 1789, oftentimes in unseen but critical ways. To this day, the Marshals
Service occupies a uniquely central position in the federal justice system. It is the enforcement arm of the
federal courts, and as such, it is involved in virtually every federal law enforcement initiative.
Presidentially appointed, U.S. Marshals direct the activities of 94 districts — one for each federal judicial
district. More than 3,340 Deputy U.S. Marshals and Criminal Investigators form the backbone of the agency.
Among their many duties, they apprehend federal fugitives, protect the federal judiciary, operate the Witness
Security Program, transport federal prisoners and seize property acquired by criminals through illegal activities.
The agency’s headquarters is just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.
Judicial Security
Protecting federal judicial officials — judges, attorneys and jurors — is a core mission for the U.S. Marshals.
Deputy U.S. Marshals employ the latest security techniques and devices during highly sensitive trials throughout
the nation.
Experienced, former law enforcement officers, having served in various capacities and specialties throughout
their careers, comprise the agency’s Court Security Officer program. These contracted CSOs receive limited
deputations as special Deputy U.S. Marshals and play a vital role in courthouse security. Using security-screening
systems, CSOs detect and intercept weapons and other prohibited items individuals attempt to bring into federal
courthouses. Senior Inspectors, Deputy U.S. Marshals and CSOs provide security at facilities that house court
operations. The agency also oversees each aspect of courthouse construction projects, from design through
completion, to ensure the safety of federal judges, court personnel and the public.
Fugitive Investigations
The U.S. Marshals Service is the federal government’s primary agency for conducting fugitive investigations.
In FY 2009, the Marshals apprehended more than 36,400 federal fugitives, clearing approximately 39,400 felony
warrants.
Working with law enforcement agencies at the federal, state and local levels, Marshals-led task forces
arrested an additional 90,800 state and local fugitives, clearing approximately 117,000 state and local felony
warrants. The Marshals currently lead 75 district fugitive task forces and seven regional fugitive task forces
dedicated to investigating violent crime, and locating and apprehending wanted criminals. The USMS has
developed close working relationships with other law enforcement agencies on fugitive matters and provides
assistance, expertise and training to agencies at the federal, state, local and international levels.
The U.S. Marshals Service is responsible for the apprehension of both foreign and international fugitives, and
it is the primary agency responsible for extraditions to and from the United States. In FY 2009, the Marshals
coordinated 874 extraditions and deportations from 65 countries.
In support of its international fugitive investigative mission, the USMS has three foreign field offices in
Jamaica, Mexico and the Dominican Republic. The agency is engaged in establishing a foreign field office in
Columbia. The USMS maintains successful law enforcement liaison programs along the borders of Mexico and
Canada. The agency also enjoys a mutually beneficial relationship with the Department of State’s Diplomatic
Security Service and holds key positions at Interpol.
Special Missions, Programs
Each year the USMS 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 agency’s Special Operations Group is a specially trained, tactical unit comprised of Deputy U.S. Marshals
who can respond immediately to incidents anywhere in the United States or its territories.
Witness Security Program
The U.S. Marshals Service 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 8,200 witnesses and more than 9,800 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.
Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation System
In 1995, the U.S. Marshals and the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement merged air fleets to
create the Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation System — JPATS. The merger created an efficient and
effective system for transporting prisoners and criminal aliens.
Managed by the U.S. Marshals, JPATS is one of the largest transporters of prisoners in the world, handling
more than 1,400 requests every day to move prisoners between judicial districts, correctional institutions and
foreign countries. JPATS completes more than 350,000 prisoner and alien movements annually via coordinated
air and ground systems.
Prisoner Operations
The U.S. Marshals Service currently houses approximately 58,500 federal detainees each day. About 80
percent of the prisoners are housed in 1,800 state, local and private jails across the country. The remaining
prisoners are housed in Federal Bureau of Prisons facilities. In areas where detention space is scarce, Cooperative
Agreement Program funds have been used in the past to improve local jail conditions and expand jail capacities
in return for guaranteed space for federal prisoners.
Asset Forfeiture Program
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 DOJ’s Asset Forfeiture Program, the
Marshals manage more than $2 billion worth of property, and promptly dispose of assets forfeited by all DOJ
agencies. The program’s goal is to maximize the net return from forfeited property and reinvest the proceeds for
law enforcement purposes.
Office of Public Affairs
U.S. Marshals Service Pub. No. 21-A
revised Dec. 30, 2009
Why all the Glock bashing in your post? Granted my favorite pistols are my 1911's, but I also own three Glocks, (Models 19, 26 and 21). I have NEVER had one problem whatsoever with any of my Glocks (and I have fired God knows how many rounds down range with them). They are easy to take down and clean and are pretty accurate and very reliable. They are not the thinnest guns to conceal carry but you can do it with the right holsters. Praise what you like but is there a real need to bash the poor Glocks??