The United States Marshals (USMS) apprehends more federal fugitives in a year than all other law enforcement agencies combined. Working with local, state and federal authorities, the USMS accomplishes its efforts through task forces which, in 2010 alone, resulted in the arrest of more than 81,000 state and local fugitives.
The USMS in Wisconsin is structured according to the federal district court system, which means that U.S. marshals in Wisconsin work out of two districts:
The Eastern District of Wisconsin includes all counties in the eastern half of the state, which includes the major cities of Green Bay, Milwaukee, and Oshkosh.
The Western District of Wisconsin consists of the state’s western counties, which include the cities of Eau Claire, La Crosse, Superior, Madison, and Wausau.
How to Begin a U.S. Marshal Career in Wisconsin
Individuals who want to learn how to become a U.S. marshal in Wisconsin must first meet the general guidelines for employment, which include:
- Must be a United States citizen
- Must be between the ages of 21 and 36
- Must possess a valid driver’s license
Candidates for U.S. marshals jobs in Wisconsin are hired at the GL-7 federal pay level. This means that all candidates must meet the requirements at the GL-7 level, which include possessing one or more of the following:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (with at least a 3.0 overall GPA and a 3.5 GPA in all major-related courses)
OR
- At least one year of graduate-level courses in a program related to law enforcement, such as criminal justice, sociology, emergency management, public safety, etc.
OR
- At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GL-5 level, with specialized experience including criminal investigations and law enforcement work
OR
- A combination of education and experience
Individuals interested in achieving U.S. marshal jobs should stay up to date on upcoming hiring events, as this is the only time the agency accepts applications. Information on upcoming recruitment events can be found on the USMS website or by contacting a local USMS field office.
Jobs applications, during periods of open recruitment, are completed at www.USAJOBs.com. The USMS then reviews the applications and determines which applicants meet the minimum qualifications for U.S. marshal jobs in Wisconsin. From there, chosen candidates must:
- Take a two-part competitive exam
- Pass a panel interview
- Pass a background investigation
Individuals chosen to complete the training program to become deputy U.S. marshals in Wisconsin must take a physical fitness evaluation before attending training. The USMS encourages all new trainees to ensure they are in top, physical conditioning before attending training, as the program involves a great deal of physical conditioning and tactical training.
The training program with the USMS consists of 17 ½ weeks of study at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia. The training program also includes academic training in areas related to courtroom security, computer training, legal training, and driver training, among others.
Special Operations and Task Forces at Work in Wisconsin
In 2012 Wisconsin U.S. marshals oversaw Operation Spring Thaw, a task force that resulted in the arrest of 38 individuals on outstanding felony warrants. This multi-agency task force included members of the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Department, the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, the Milwaukee Police Department, and the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department.
The USMS is also heavily involved with a number of special missions and programs with local and state agencies. The U.S. marshals in Wisconsin, for example, frequently works alongside officials of the Wisconsin Department of Corrections Sex Offender Registry Program to conduct operations to ensure that registered sex offenders are adhering to the conditions of their release. On June 24, 2013, Wisconsin U.S. marshals checked the addresses of 48 registered sex offenders in Juneau County. Then again on June 26 and 27, they checked the addresses of 188 registered sex offenders and found at least 6 to be non-compliant.