U.S. Marshals in the district of South Dakota serve several cities throughout the state, including Sioux Falls, Aberdeen, Pierre, and Rapid City. The U.S. Marshals Service has been serving South Dakota as part of the Dakota Territory since 1861. When South Dakota became a state in 1889, the U.S. Marshals District of South Dakota was born.
U.S. Marshals in the district of South Dakota have exciting career opportunities in a variety of areas, including fugitive investigations. South Dakota’s U.S. Marshals coordinate a number of local law enforcement task forces:
- The Rapid City Area Joint Fugitive Task Force is a multi-agency effort focused on investigating and arresting local, state and federal fugitives wanted for crimes related to drugs and violence.
- The Sioux Falls Area Joint Fugitive Task Force shares a similar focus on local, state and federal fugitives with warrants out for drugs and crimes of violence.
- The Pierre Area Joint Fugitive Task Force conducts investigations and arrests with a focus on violent crimes and narcotics. The task force also conducts work on several Native American reservations.
Qualifications to Become a U.S. Marshal in South Dakota
Individuals interested in becoming a U.S. Marshal in South Dakota must meet several minimum requirements, including:
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- Must be between the ages 21 and 36 prior to appointment
- Must have a valid driver’s license
- Must be able to clear a background investigation
- Must meet minimum health qualifications and be in good health standing
Additionally, individuals must possess specialized experience or education at the GL-07 level. Individuals must meet at least one or some combination of the following:
- A bachelor’s degree with documented superior academic achievement i.e. a 3.0 GPA or higher for all undergraduate courses or a 3.5 GPA or higher in major courses
- One year of graduate level study in an area related to law enforcement, such as Criminal Justice, Sociology, or Political Science.
- One year of specialized experience in an area of law enforcement or criminal investigations.
U.S. Marshal Application and Training
Individuals interested in applying for open U.S. Marshals Service jobs in South Dakota can do so through open recruitment periods and events. Applicants will be required to complete a competitive examination and structured interview. For more information about recruitment in South Dakota, contact the U.S. Marshals Service office in South Dakota and ask to speak to the District Recruiting Officer.
Undergraduate students interested in pursuing careers might be eligible for the Centralized Student Career Experience Program. For more information about participating universities and eligibility requirements, visit the U.S. Marshals Service website.
All U.S. Marshals Service recruits will be required to participate in an demanding 17 ½ week basic training program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, GA.
U.S. Marshals Special Operations Group at Wounded Knee
U.S. Marshals in the district of South Dakota were involved in maintaining the peace throughout the longest period of civil disorder to occur in the history of the U.S. Marshals Service in 1973.
Followers of the American Indian Movement (AIM) seized the town of Wounded Knee and staged a 71-day occupation of the area. U.S. Marshals Service members of the Special Operations Group stepped up to assist in negotiations and hopefully hasten a resolution.
The U.S. Marshals set up roadblocks and often battled back armed assailants to hold a perimeter around the town until, after 10 weeks of violence and heightened negotiations, the occupiers surrendered their weapons and the U.S. Marshals Service gained control of the town.
This incident is often cited as an exemplary moment in the history of the U.S. Marshals Service that demonstrated the heroism of its members.