Through the U.S. Marshals Service investigative and apprehension efforts, both in Massachusetts and throughout the country, thousands of dangerous fugitives are taken off the streets every year. Just recently, at the conclusion of a lengthy investigation in January 2013, the U.S. Marshals Massachusetts Fugitive Task Force arrested a fugitive on charges of criminal possession of a firearm and murder.
Before applying for a job with the U.S. Marshals Service, individuals should ensure they meet the minimum requirements for employment, which include being a United States citizen, being between the ages of 21 and 36, and possessing a valid driver’s license.
Qualifying to Work for the U.S. Marshals Service in Massachusetts
All new U.S. deputy marshals are hired at the GL-7 federal pay level, which demands a specific educational/experience background. As such, individuals applying for U.S marshal jobs in Massachusetts must possess at least ONE of the following:
- A four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a minimum GPA of 3.5 in all courses related to the major course of study; OR
- At least one, full year of graduate study in a major related to law enforcement; typical courses of study include:
- Sociology
- Criminal justice
- Public safety
- Emergency management
- Public administration; OR
- At least one year of specialized experience at the GL-5 federal level; examples of specialized work include dealing with the public, associates, prisoners, and subordinates; planning and carrying out criminal investigations; search and seizure activities; executing warrants; and preparing reports related to criminal and civil processes
Pre-Employment and Training Requirements for U.S. Marshals in Massachusetts
Qualified candidates for U.S. marshal jobs in Massachusetts must be able to successfully complete the pre-employment process, which includes:
- A competitive examination (used by the USMS to rank qualified candidates)
- A physical fitness assessment (taken before the formal training period begins)
- A complete medical examination (candidates must meet specific medical requirements, including vision and hearing requirements)
- A complete background investigation
- A panel interview
The entire employment process often takes up to 12 months to complete. All applicants are evaluated on their ability to meet the established minimum qualifications. Categorical ranking is used to determine a candidate’s eligibility for selection.
All new U.S. deputy marshals must then complete the 17 ½ week U.S. Marshals Basic Training Academy, which is completed at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia.
Trainees who are able to successfully complete the training program are then assigned to their first duty station, which may be at any one of the agency’s 94 districts located throughout the United States. All new U.S. marshals must stay at their initial duty station for at least three years.
Within Massachusetts, the United States Marshals Service (USMS) is headquartered in Boston, with additional sub-offices and courthouse locations in Springfield and Worcester.
US Marshal Task Forces at Work in Massachusetts
The Massachusetts District of the U.S. Marshals Service oversees a number of programs/task forces designed to pool the resources and manpower of this federal law enforcement agency and other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies and community organizations:
Protective Intelligence Unit – The Protective Intelligence Unit, which is supported by the U.S. Marshals Service Office of Protective Intelligence, works to identify and mitigate threats to U.S. Marshals Service-protected personnel and facilities. The Protective Intelligence Unit also oversees the Regional Threat Management Group, which is a program that brings together local, state and federal agencies as to share information related to intelligence matters. The Protective Intelligence Unit also investigates and pursues indictments that related federal laws as they pertain to threats.
New England, District of Massachusetts Fugitive Task Force – The District of Massachusetts Fugitive Task Force, which was created in 1999, is headquartered at the Boston office. The Task Force coordinates resources from all levels as to develop leads, gather intelligence, and track and apprehend fugitives. Just a few of the area agencies working as part of the Task Force include the Massachusetts State Police, the Boston Police Department, the Brockton Police Department, the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, the Springfield Police Department, and the Cambridge Police Department.
Sex Offenders Investigations Branch – The U.S. Marshals District of Massachusetts was created following the creation of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006. The Adam Walsh Act, in particular, identifies the U.S. marshals as the primary federal agency in charge of coordinating local, state and federal agencies to track and arrest non-compliance sex offenders throughout the U.S. The Sex Offender Investigation Branch was established with the Boston Police Department in 2011.