-Jason Davalt

A lot of good information on this forum. I have tossed the idea around of going into the US Marshals for the last couple of years. Here’s what my resume will look like when I submit it:

I have 350 or so hours with my local police department in the VIPS program (Volunteers In Police Service). From there, I became an intern in the Detective’s Bureau with the same police department and have been there for a year and a half. I have participated in SWAT training scenarios, tagged along on warrant searches and gang enforcement. I have been on more ride-alongs than I can remember. During the time I became an intern, I completed a background investigation and was hired on at a county Juvenile Hall facility as a Correctional Officer. Recently, I took on a second job as CSO (Community Service Officer) with my college that I attend. I generally hold a 3.2-3.5 GPA.

I train 5-6 days a week and run 4 out of those days. Pull-ups, sprints, and a lot of kettlebell work. I hold a state record in women’s dead lift and recently set a world record through the WABDL powerlifting federation for deadlifting 304lbs. I am 23 years old and will be 24 in January. I attained a CCW last September and I grew up around firearm due to my Dad’s influence and his interest in them.

I am 2 semesters away from graduating with a degree in Criminal Justice. I was tempted to move 100 miles away to the closest college that offered the CSCEP program. However, with my two jobs, internship, and lack of funds, I am not confident in that move being successful.

Any advice as to how far out I should apply? Without the CSCEP program, how am I competitively? I would greatly appreciate some feedback! Thank you!

I am a freshmen in college pursuing a criminal justice degree looking to go into some sort of higher law enforcement position.

I just recently got an MIP but i had the charge dismissed and it is essentially off my record from everyone besides the military and FBI to see. I was wondering what this charge does to my chances of getting into the US Marshals or any other law enforcement position for that matter. Is this charge an automatic DQ?

I am in the Army National Guard so I do have military experience.

Thanks for such great input!
I’m sure this will help out a lot of people.

* the detailed comment above was originally posted on How Much Do U.S. Marshals Make? – Deputy Pay Rate blog post. It’s been added here as it will be of great value to the community.

I see a lot of great questions on this site! I have been with the Marshals Service for 7 years now and maybe I can answer some of the more popular ones I have read. First, thanks to Mr. Gadek for the great information and advice he has been able to supply. Mr. Gadek has been right about the majority of his information. Most importantly, as Mr. Gadek stated, check with your local Marshals Service recruiter if you can not find answers to your specific questions. Each district has at least one. Also, I AM NOT AN OFFICIAL SPOKESMAN. I am just trying to help some new folks out. OK, here goes…..

First: You do not need a 4 year degree to become a Deputy US Marshal. It is preferred, however, it is NOT necessary. A combination of education and experience is acceptable (although you will likely get hired on as a GS-5 rather than a GS-7).

Second: You will find out your initial duty station BEFORE you go to the academy. Although the Marshals Service reserves the right to change that at their convenience, I have never heard of it happening. Some of you will even get a choice of duty station ( I had 13 choices).

Third: You must be hired BEFORE your 37th birthday(unless you are previously enrolled in the FERS system). This is due to Federal retirement guidelines.

Fourth: To my military brothers and sisters. YES, you will get veteran preference points in the hiring process. I recommend that ALL OF YOU try to get into a Federal Career Intern Program if you are in college.

Fifth: Minor criminal offenses will not necessarily keep you from becoming a Deputy US Marshal. However, and I can not stress this enough, tell them everything!!!! They will find out during the background check, and if they believe that you lied or with held pertinent information on your application, kiss it goodbye.

Sixth: Run, Run, Run…. And when you get tired of running, do a lot of push-up, sit-ups, and then run some more!! If you have a positive mental outlook and can put up with the toughest, most physically demanding Federal Law Enforcement Academy training, then you will love your new career!

Finally: Sorry for being long winded, I just get excited talking about my job. I have done so many cool things as a Deputy US Marshal. As part of the Fugitive Task Force in my district, I get to go after the “worst of the worst”. It sounds cliche’ but it is true. There are parts of every job that are less than ideal, including with the Marshals Service, but overall, I wouldn’t want to do anything else. I hope I answered some of your questions, if you have anything else, just reply and I will try to help you out. GOOD LUCK TO ALL!!!