An Overview of the us Marshalls Service
Established in 1789, the U.S. Marshals service is the oldest and most multi–purposed of the federal law enforcement agencies.
George Washington and the first congress passed legislation that established the offices of U.S. Marshal and Deputy Marshals in the Judiciary Act of 1789. The marshals were given a wide range of authority to support the federal courts within their districts, and carry out all lawful orders issued by judges, Congress or the President.
When George Washington first set up his administration and the first Congress began passing laws, the U.S. Marshals provided local representation for the federal government within their districts. They distributed Presidential proclamations, and until 1870 the Deputy Marshals took the national census every 10 years.
Today the U.S. Marshals are the law enforcement entity of the federal courts system, taking the lead in in all federal law enforcement issues.
Each U.S. Marshal is appointed by the President, of which there are 94; one for each judicial district. Divided amongst each of these Marshals is 3,950 deputy marshals and special investigators Keeping all things federal, they are responsible for judiciary protection, arresting fugitives, seizing property gained through illegal activities, controlling the Witness Protection Program and the containment and transportation of prisoners.
Within the federal Judicial and Courthouse system you will see Deputy U.S. Marshals not only guarding defendants in custody, but also protecting judges, prosecutors and witnesses. They are also in charge of courtroom and courthouse security, and conducting threat analysis. The U.S. Marshals are also in on the planning of courthouse building renovations and managing their security systems.
Within Fugitive Apprehension you will see Deputy U.S. Marshals working closely with local, state, federal and international law enforcement officials, conducting fugitive investigations. Also under this category of responsibilities the U.S. Marshals plan and implement fugitive deportation, and receive prisoners from other law enforcement agencies.
When federal witnesses need to be protected, you will find Deputy U.S. Marshals protecting government witnesses and producing them in court when necessary. If it is necessary, when all court proceedings are over, the U.S. Marshals will re-document and relocate protected witnesses.
When there is a natural disaster or civil disturbance you will see the Deputy U.S. Marshals performing rescue, security and recovery operations. Amongst their many and varied duties the U.S, Marshals provide missile escort services, as well as provide protection for the Strategic National Stockpile.
Even though the word “Marshal” can bring to mind images of the days of the old West, and Wyatt Earp and his days in Tombstone, the modern image of the U.S. Marshal service is no longer like the days of yesterday. Today the U.S. Marshals are an integral part of national security and law enforcement.
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