The United States Marshals Service is the oldest law enforcement agency in the United States, and perhaps the most esteemed. U.S. marshals are required to oversee nearly all crimes related to the federal judiciary, which means their work involves witness security, asset forfeiture, judicial security and, perhaps largest of all, tactical operations and criminal investigations.
Because the United States Marshal Service (USMS) works closely with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to ensure the successful coordination of manpower and resources, they often employ programs and task forces to better organize their efforts. For example, U.S. marshals in the District of Nebraska organized Operation Falcon in 2009, which resulted in the capture of 359 fugitives across the state during a one-month period.
Operation Falcon, which stands for Federal and Local Cops Organized Nationally, is a United States Marshals Service-led operation that has been successfully conducted at points throughout the U.S. In Nebraska, Operation Falcon was organized out of the Omaha USMS headquarters. This program focused on capturing individuals wanted on felony charges, including sex offenders and violent criminals. Of the 359 arrested fugitives, 9 were sex offenders. The USMS also cleared 397 warrants in the Lincoln and Omaha areas during the same period.
In one instance, Operation Falcon members received a lead that a previously convicted sex offender was residing in York, Nebraska. The individual, who was previously convicted of raping a minor with a firearm, was located and taken into custody without incident.
The USMS District of Nebraska is headquartered in Omaha, with additional sub-offices located in Lincoln and North Platte.
How to Pursue U.S. Marshals Jobs in Nebraska
Candidates who want to become U.S. marshals in Nebraska must be prepared to complete a rigorous and lengthy employment and training process. In addition to being physically, medically, and mentally fit, candidates for U.S. marshal jobs must be United States citizens; they must between the ages of 21 and 36; and they must possess a valid driver’s license.
Individuals who want to become a U.S. marshal must meet the requirements of the GL-7 level (the minimum pay level at which these law enforcement professionals are hired). Meeting these requirements can be done through education, experience or an equivalent of the two:
How to Become a U.S. Marshal through Education
Individuals may qualify for U.S. marshal jobs in Nebraska may do so by possessing a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, provided they can show proof that they have superior academic achievement. This includes earning an overall 3.0 GPA, a 3.5 GPA in all courses related to their major, and graduating in the upper third of their class.
If individuals cannot display superior academic achievement through their bachelor’s degree, they may qualify if they have completed at least one full year of graduate level study in a program related to law enforcement. This may include study in criminal justice, criminology, sociology, police science, emergency management, or a similar program.
How to Become a U.S. Marshal through Experience
Individuals without a formal education may qualify for a U.S. marshal job in Nebraska if they possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GL-5 level. Specialized experience includes performing law enforcement duties related to carrying out and planning investigations; making and planning arrests; serving court orders; using firearms; and dealing with people in a persuasive and resourceful manner.
Basic Academy Training Requirements for U.S. Marshals in Nebraska
New hires with the USMS must complete mandatory basic academy training with the USMS. This 17 ½ week program, which is held at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia, involves study in a number of areas, including:
- Legal training
- Firearms training
- Officer survival
- Driver training
- Court security
- Defensive tactics
- High threat trials