It is the responsibility of the United States Marshals Service (USMS) to take the most violent criminals off the streets, both in Nevada and throughout the United States. For example, in December 2013, the U.S. Marshals, as part of the U.S. Marshals Northern Nevada Fugitive Task Force, arrested a wanted fugitive within hours of communication with the U.S. marshals in San Francisco.
The individual was brought to justice following a conviction for a sex offense involving a minor under the age of 14. He had a significant criminal history and was considered dangerous. He was booked on charges that he failed to register as a sex offender and was in possession of a dangerous weapon.
The USMS in the District of Nevada operates out of Las Vegas, with an additional satellite-office located in Reno.
Minimum Requirements for Becoming a U.S. Marshal in Nevada
The U.S. Marshals Service has a long history of protecting and supporting the federal judiciary. As such, this agency demands only the most highly qualified individuals to take on the challenging role of a U.S. marshal.
Minimum requirements for employment include: being a United States citizen; being between the ages of 21 and 36; possessing a valid driver’s license; and being in excellent physical condition.
In addition, candidates for U.S. marshal jobs must be able to meet the requirements of the GL-7 federal pay level, which include possessing one of the following:
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GL-5 level; specialized experience includes work in criminal investigations; search and seizure; preparing reports; and making arrests; OR
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with superior academic achievement; OR
- At least one full year of graduate-level education in a program related to law enforcement, such as:
- Criminology
- Criminal justice
- Justice administration
- Police science
- Sociology
A typical U.S. marshals job description also details the pre-employment process, which includes the successfully completion of a two-part competitive exam; a physical fitness assessment; a panel interview; and a complete background investigation. Further, training is the final part of the employment process, and all new deputy U.S. marshals must complete the 17 ½ week basic training program located at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia.
U.S. Marshal Career Opportunities in Nevada
Career opportunities for U.S. marshals in Nevada are varied and can include work in a number of areas, such as:
- Asset forfeiture
- Witness security
- Transporting prisoners
- Prisoner services
- Fugitive investigations
- Judicial security
- Special missions and programs
Upon being hired with the USMS, new U.S. marshals in Nevada are assigned to one of the agency’s 94 field office locations. Although new hires cannot choose the exact field office where they are assigned, they can request 8 field office locations. All new hires must remain at their initial field office for 3 years. Further, the USMS requires all new hires to sign a mobility agreement that states they are willing to relocate to any field office location in the U.S.
U.S. marshals are afforded a number of benefits as federal law enforcement employees:
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Sick leave
- Employee Assistance Program
- Thrift Savings Plan
US Marshals Service Task Forces in Nevada
This U.S. Marshals Service task force is a multi-agency effort between the USMS and the Nevada Department of Public Safety, the Sparks Police Department, and the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office. This Northern Nevada partnership resulted in more than 250 arrests in 2013 alone.
Similar arrests by the U.S. Marshals Northern Nevada Fugitive Task Force included:
- June 2013: A three-day operation entitled Sex Offender Sweep resulted in more than 640 sex offender compliance checks and 455 verifications, with 44 registered offenders found to be non-compliant.
- July 2012: A wanted fugitive was arrested on charges of rape and other sex related crimes.
- June 2012: Three individuals, all with unrelated cases, were arrested within two days of fleeing to Northern Nevada from Utah, Alaska and California.