Deputy U.S. Marshal

Deputy U.S. Marshals are part of the Federal court system. They serve as the police of the courts, keeping both prisoners and court workers safe, and helping to bring criminals to justice.

As a Deputy U.S. Marshal, you help stop criminals by carrying out the orders of court-granted warrants. With the permission given in a warrant, you can search a property, seize any evidence, and make necessary arrests. Most of the cases you handle deal with escaped prisoners, probation or parole violators, DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) fugitives, and anyone who fails to appear in court when ordered.

After a prisoner has been arrested and taken to jail, you are then tasked with ensuring they have food and water, medical care if needed, a protected holding cell, and safe passage to and from court for their trial.

Your job isn’t just about prisoners though. As a Deputy U.S. Marshal, you are part of the group that runs the Witness Protection Program. This means that you ensure the safety of the Federal witnesses while they testify. Judges, jurors, and Lawyers also receive your protection. You help court workers by investigating threats against them, and providing surveillance and safe transportation.

In the court building, you may be the one keeping an eye on those coming in. Or you may be the one keeping trial rooms safe by manning the x-ray machines and watching out for weapons. Another task may be to ensure that juries stay fair and impartial by keeping them away from newspapers and televisions during the trial and making sure none of them are threatened or bribed to influence the outcome of the case.