U.S. Marshals began their service in the Oklahoma territory in 1889, as part of an effort to oversee what was then known as the Indian Territory. When Oklahoma became a state in 1890, the U.S. Marshals Service offices in Oklahoma were divided into three districts in accordance with the Federal District court system. These districts still exist today and are referred to as the Northern, Eastern and Western districts.
How to Become an US Marshal in Oklahoma
Individuals interested in becoming U.S. Marshals in Oklahoma must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- Must be between the ages of 21 and 36
- Must have a valid driver’s license
Additionally, individuals must the minimum requirements for GL-07 education and experience:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with superior academic achievement
OR
- One year of graduate level study in a field related to law enforcement
OR
- One year of specialized experience in an area of law enforcement or criminal investigations
OR
- A combination of education and experience.
Candidates who meet these requirements will move on to the application process, including:
- Structured interview and assessments
- Physical examination
- Background investigation
Candidate selected for U.S. Marshals jobs in Oklahoma will attend the intensive 17 ½ week U.S. Marshals Service Basic Training Academy in Glynco, GA. Trainees will take 7 exams, including a FIT test, throughout the training program and candidates must pass all of them with a 70% or higher to graduate.
Oklahoma’s U.S. Marshal Service Districts
Northern District — U.S. Marshals in the Northern district of Oklahoma operate out of Tulsa, and also serve the cities of Bartlesville, Miami and Vinita. Among the many duties and career opportunities for U.S. Marshals in the Northern district of Oklahoma is the supervision of the Northern Oklahoma Violent Fugitive Task Force.
The Northern Oklahoma Violent Fugitive Task Force works to locate and apprehend fugitives wanted by state and local jurisdictions on charges of violence, sexual, offences, or drug related crimes. The task force is a coordinated effort between the U.S. Marshals Service and the Tulsa Police Department.
U.S. Marshals in the Northern district also work to curb gang violence in the major metropolitan area of Tulsa. Operation Triple Beam III in 2012 was a large-scale gang enforcement effort orchestrated by U.S. Marshals and the Tulsa Police Department. It led to the arrests of 146 violent gang members in an ongoing effort to combat gang violence in the Tulsa area.
Eastern District — U.S. Marshals in the Eastern district of Oklahoma operate out of Muskogee. Career opportunities involve ongoing fugitive investigations and prisoner services. U.S. marshals in the Eastern district provide prisoner management services to defendants in federal custody.
Western District — U.S. Marshals in the Western district of Oklahoma operate out of Oklahoma City and also serve the city of Lawton. U.S. Marshals in the Western district help to oversee the Metro Fugitive Squad.
The Metro Fugitive Squad is a large-scale task force that involves several local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Federal Fish and Wildlife Service. The Metro Fugitive Squad has tracked down several fugitives in recent years, including high profile criminals listed as Marshal Service Major Case status.