Federal air marshals headquartered in the Boston, Massachusetts field office serve as federal law enforcement for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to keep passengers, airplanes and airports safe.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, there are six major airports with carrier/commercial service in Massachusetts:
- Nantucket Memorial Airport in Nantucket, with 201,390 enplanements (2010)
- Martha’s Vineyard Airport in Vineyard Haven, with 43,904 enplanements (2010)
- Barnstable Airport in Hyannis, with 124,560 enplanements (2010)
- New Bedford Regional Airport in New Bedford, with 12,363 enplanements (2010)
- Provincetown Airport in Provincetown, with 11,450 enplanements (2010)
- Logan International Airport in Boston, with 13,561,814 enplanements (2010)
Federal air marshal jobs in Massachusetts often involve working with state and local law enforcement agencies, such as the Massachusetts State Police, the Lowell Police Department, the Springfield Police Department, the Cambridge Police Department, the Boston Police Department, and the Worcester Police Department.
How to Become a Federal Air Marshal in Massachusetts
Federal air marshal jobs in Massachusetts are highly competitive and require candidates to fulfill certain criteria. The Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS) requires that all applicants be U.S. citizens between the ages of 21 and 36 ½. Criminal background investigations must be passed, and all candidates must have the physical and cardiovascular fitness to endure the rigorous physical training encountered by recruits.
Educational Expectations of Federal Air Marshals – Although FAMS does not require its Federal Air Marshals to fulfill educational requirements, preference is given to candidates who hold a bachelor degree in any field. These candidates move up in the category ranking and will be more likely to receive a job offer. Alternatively, candidates with three years of work experience involving analyzing and solving problems, planning and organizing work, and communicating well in writing and orally will meet the basic requirements for this position. A combination of education and experience may also be accepted.
Training Required for Federal Air Marshal – Training for new federal air marshals consists of two parts. The first part is basic training, lasting 35 days, and taking place at the Federal Law enforcement Training Center in Artesia, New Mexico. Academic coursework and physical training is emphasized in this part of the training. Part two of the training is more advanced and lasts for 43 days at the Federal Air Marshal Service Training Center in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Academic courses are also taught here, as are firearms trainings, defensive techniques and other practical skills used by federal air marshals in Massachusetts.
Federal Air Marshals in Massachusetts in the News
In 2011, a man from Chelsea, Massachusetts was arrested for impersonating a federal air marshal. The man, who was an employee of Delta Airlines, was involved in a motor vehicle accident and falsely told an auto body shop employee that he was a federal air marshal. As this is a federal job and one not to be taken lightly, the man was indicted in March 2011 and faces a 250,000 fine and up to five years of imprisonment.