Judicial Security     Transporting Prisoners/JPATS     Fugitive Investigations
 Prisoner Services     Special Missions and Programs     Asset Forfeiture     Witness Security

The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) is the nation’s oldest and most versatile federal law enforcement agency. Federal Marshals have served the country since 1789, often times in unseen but critical ways. To this day, the Marshals occupy a uniquely central position in the federal justice system. The USMS 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 3,200 Deputy Marshals and Criminal Investigators form the backbone of the agency. Among their many duties, they apprehend more than half of all federal fugitives, protect the federal judiciary, operate the Witness Security Program, transport federal prisoners, conduct body searches, enforce court orders and Attorney General orders involving civil disturbances and acts of terrorism, execute civil and criminal processes, and seize property acquired by criminals through illegal activities. 

Judicial Security

Protecting federal judicial officials — judges, attorneys and jurors is a core mission for the U.S. Marshals. Deputy 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 (CSO) program. These contracted CSOs receive limited deputations as special Deputy Marshals and play a vital role in courthouse security. Using security-screening systems, CSOs detect and intercept weapons and other prohibited items that individuals attempt to bring into federal courthouses. Senior Inspectors, Deputy 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.     <top>

Fact Sheet:
Judicial Security

Transporting Prisoners/JPATS

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.      <top>

Fact Sheet:
prisoner transport

Fugitive Investigations

The U.S. Marshals is the federal government’s primary agency for conducting fugitive investigations. The Marshals apprehend more federal fugitives than all other law enforcement agencies combined. In FY 2007, the Marshals apprehended more than 36,000 federal fugitives, clearing more than 38,900 felony warrants.

Working with law enforcement agencies at the federal, state and local levels, Marshals-led task forces arrested an additional 58,663 state and local fugitives, clearing 70,329 state and local felony warrants. The Marshals currently leads 85 district fugitive task forces and six regional fugitive task forces dedicated to 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 on the federal, state, local and international levels.

Fact Sheet:
fugitive investigations

The USMS is the premier agency to apprehend foreign fugitives believed to be in the United States, and it is the agency responsible for locating and extraditing American fugitives, who flee to foreign countries. In FY 2007, the Marshals coordinated 772 extraditions and deportations from 64 countries.

In support of its international fugitive investigative mission, the USMS has established foreign field offices in Jamaica, Mexico and the Dominican Republic. The USMS also maintains successful law enforcement liaison programs along the borders of Mexico and Canada. Also, the USMS enjoys a mutually beneficial relationship with the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service and holds key positions at Interpol.     <top>

Prisoner Services

The U.S. Marshals currently houses approximately 55,200 federal detainees each day. About 79 percent of the prisoners are housed in 1,800 state, local and private jails. The remaining prisoners are housed in Federal Bureau of Prisons facilities. In areas where detention space is scarce, Cooperative Agreement Program funds are used to improve local jail conditions and expand jail capacities in return for guaranteed space for federal prisoners.      <top>

Fact Sheet:
prisoner services

Special Missions and 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 USMS Special Operations Group is a specially trained, tactical unit comprised of Deputy Marshals, who can respond immediately to incidents anywhere in the United States or its territories.     <top>

Fact Sheet:
special operations

Asset Forfeiture

The USMS 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 nearly $1.7 billion worth of property, and promptly disposes of assets forfeited by all Department of Justice agencies. The Program’s goal is to maximize the net return from forfeited property and then reinvest the proceeds for law enforcement purposes.     <top>

Fact Sheet:
asset forfeiture

Witness Security

The U.S. Marshals 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 8,000 witnesses and more than 9,700 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.      <top>

Fact Sheet:
witness Security