Forming multi-agency task forces is common for the United States Marshal Service (USMS), as this federal law enforcement agency frequently works with federal, state and local law enforcement partners to ensure that criminal matters related to the federal judiciary are expertly coordinated and enforced.
For example, the USMS District of New Hampshire oversees the New Hampshire Joint Fugitive Task Force, a Concord-based task force that was formed in 2002. The USMS works to coordinate resources at all levels as to develop leads, gather intelligence and apprehend targeted fugitives. All county sheriffs’ departments, as well as the New Hampshire State Police, are involved in this New Hampshire task force, which made headlines a number of times for its many successes:
- January 2014: A fugitive, recognized by a viewer from his photograph on television, informed the Jaffrey Police Department of his whereabouts; he was being sought on an outstanding arrest for aggravated felonious sexual assault.
- January 2014: The New Hampshire Joint Fugitive Task Force arrested a fugitive after the individual saw himself in the media and surrendered. His arrest stemmed from his initial conviction for conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
- December 2013: A fugitive was arrested by the NH Joint Fugitive Task Force on a warrant for failure to appear on charges of second degree assault, cocaine possession, and resisting arrest.
Becoming a U.S. Marshal in New Hampshire: Career Opportunities
Individuals may become U.S. marshals in New Hampshire by either meeting the requirements for employment or meeting the requirements of the USMS Centralized Student Career Experience Program:
Requirements for Employment
A U.S. marshal job description details the minimum requirements for employment, which include:
- Being a United States citizen
- Being between the ages of 21 and 36
- Possessing a valid driver’s license
- Possessing the requirements of the GL-7 federal level
The GL-7 federal level requires that candidates possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with superior academic achievement, at least one year of specialized law enforcement/criminal investigative experience equivalent to the GL-5 level, or a combination of the two.
Individuals who cannot show proof of superior academic achievement, which includes possessing a 3.0 overall GPA and a 3.5 GPA in all courses related to their major (or a 3.5 GPA within the last two years) may be able to qualify if they possess at least one full year of graduate-level work, provided it is in a program related to law enforcement, such as: public administration, public safety, criminal justice, criminology, emergency management, etc.
Requirements for the USMS Centralized Student Career Experience Program
The USMS Centralized Student Career Experience Program (CSCEP) is a program designed specifically for college juniors or seniors who are working toward a degree in criminal justice, public administration, psychology, political science, sociology, or one of the social sciences.
Upon completion of the 16-week CSCEP and the completion of their college degree, individuals may be offered jobs as deputy marshals with the USMS.
To qualify for the CSCEP, individuals must be at least 20 years old, they must be United States citizens, and they must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their major course of study and a 2.75 overall GPA.
Training Requirements for U.S. Marshals in New Hampshire
All new U.S. marshal hires, whether they are hired directly through the USMS or through the CSCEP, must attend the 17 ½ week basic training program, which is held at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia.
Physical conditioning, tactical training, and study in areas such as courtroom security, first aid, driver training, and firearms training are part of the program. Further, all trainees are required to pass seven exams with a minimum score of at least 70 percent and pass a final fitness test.