Deputy U.S. Marshal Career, Salary, and Training Info

The U.S. Marshals Service is the oldest federal law enforcement agency and the most versatile. The Marshals Service is the enforcement arm of U.S. Federal courts and since 1789 has occupied a central position in the justice system and thus is involved in almost every federal law enforcement initiative.

U.S. Marshals are appointed by the President to direct efforts in 94 federal judicial districts. Over 3300 Deputy U.S. Marshals and Criminal Investigators form the body of the agency.

Deputy U.S. Marshals Requirements

You must be a U.S. citizen between the ages of 21 and 36 with a bachelor’s degree or three years of experience that qualifies you for service or a combination of education and experience.

There are fitness standards for men and women that must be met. A valid driver’s license and good driving record are required. In addition, you must meet medical qualifications, be able to pass a background investigation and participate in a structured interview process.

All applicants must sign a relocation agreement. New hires are placed initially in the judicial district where their application was filed.

Deputy US Marshal Education and Training

If you join the U.S. Marshals Service you will go through a 17 and a 1/2 week basic training program in Glynco, GA at the U.S. Marshal Service Training Academy. The training provided is varied, covering a wide range of activities that may be part of U.S. Marshals duties.

Some of the subjects included are legal training, firearms training, courtroom evidence and procedure, prisoner restraint, court security, search and seizure, computer training, surveillance and more.

U.S. Marshals Salary

All new positions are filled at the GL-5 and GL-7 level.

GL-5 salaries currently range between $36,658 and $41,260. Requirements for this level include education – a B.A./B.S. degree – or a minimum of three years of volunteer or paid experience. The qualification of experience might be met by time served in law enforcement or correctional facility.

The experience can be in variety of areas such as classroom instructor, interviewing experience that required decision making in a service agency, or volunteer teaching and counseling. Any work that demonstrates an ability to take charge, make decisions or apply rules and regulations may be considered as a qualifying work experience.

At the GL-7 level salaries of $41,729 to $46,969 is based on your specialized experience or superior academic achievement. The specialized experience is often met by working in law enforcement or in the military and a demonstrated ability to deal with the public, prisoners and associates.

To qualify for superior academic levels you must rank in the top ½ of your university undergraduate class, be a member of a recognized national scholastic honor society or have completed one full year of graduate study (18 semester hours) in law, or a field related to law enforcement, such as criminal justice.

New Deputy Marshals fall under the Federal Employees Retirement System and are eligible for retirement after 25 years or at age 50 with 20 years of service. There is mandatory retirement age of 57.

U.S. Marshal Career Opportunities

You may not realize the variety of responsibilities involved for those working in the U.S.Marshals Service. Your duties may be escorting a Federal judge or providing court security during a high profile trial. You may be charged with transporting prisoners by road or air or be part of a task force seizing truck containers.

Witness protection and asset forfeiture fall under the purview of the U.S. Marshals Service. You might qualify for the elite Tactical Operations Division (TOD) conducting security missions, responding to national emergencies and to crises that involve Homeland Security.

Take a look at other great Criminal Justice Careers.