The United States Marshals Service (USMS) is a critical component of the American justice system, responsible for a wide array of law enforcement duties ranging from judicial security to fugitive apprehension. This article delves into the various functions and responsibilities of the USMS, highlighting its crucial role in upholding the rule of law.
Protecting the Judiciary: A Core USMS Function
A primary responsibility of the United States Marshals Service is ensuring the safety and security of federal judges, attorneys, and jurors. Deputy Marshals utilize cutting-edge security techniques and equipment to protect judicial officials, especially during high-profile or sensitive trials nationwide, safeguarding the integrity of the judicial process.
Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation System (JPATS)
Established in 1995, the Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation System (JPATS), managed by the USMS, efficiently transports prisoners and criminal aliens. As one of the world’s largest prisoner transportation systems, JPATS processes over 1,070 requests daily, coordinating air and ground transport for more than 275,400 individuals annually between judicial districts, correctional facilities, and even foreign countries. This ensures the safe and secure movement of individuals within the justice system.
Leading the Pursuit: Fugitive Operations by the USMS
The United States Marshals Service leads the nation in fugitive apprehension, capturing more federal fugitives than all other law enforcement agencies combined. Collaborative efforts with federal, state, and local authorities through USMS-led task forces extend this pursuit to state and local fugitives. The USMS also plays a key role in apprehending foreign fugitives within the United States and extraditing American fugitives abroad. International collaborations with foreign field offices in countries like Jamaica, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic, coupled with strong partnerships along the Mexican and Canadian borders, underscore the agency’s global reach. Further strengthening its international presence, the USMS collaborates with the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service and holds significant positions within Interpol.
Sex Offender Investigations: Protecting the Public
The USMS plays a vital role in protecting communities from sex offenders by enforcing sex offender registration laws. Following the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006, the USMS was tasked with leading federal investigations into violations of these laws. The agency works diligently with state, local, tribal, and territorial partners to locate and apprehend non-compliant sex offenders, prioritizing those who pose the greatest threat to public safety, particularly those with a history of violence or crimes against children.
The USMS and Missing Children
In support of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), the USMS assists in locating missing, endangered, or abducted children. The Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015 expanded the USMS authority, enabling them to provide support to law enforcement at all levels in recovering missing children, regardless of whether a fugitive or sex offender is involved. The dedicated Missing Child Unit within the USMS oversees these efforts, ensuring the safe return of children to their families.
Prisoner Operations and Management
The USMS is responsible for housing over 55,000 detainees in a network of federal, state, local, and private facilities across the country. To accommodate this population, the USMS contracts with approximately 1,800 state and local governments for jail space. The majority of USMS detainees are held in state, local, and private facilities, with the remainder housed in Federal Bureau of Prisons institutions.
Tactical Operations of the USMS
The United States Marshals Service Special Operations Group (SOG) is a highly trained tactical unit capable of responding to emergencies nationwide. Comprised of skilled Deputy Marshals, SOG handles hundreds of special missions annually, ranging from high-risk arrests to responding to homeland security crises and national emergencies, providing a rapid response force for critical incidents.
Asset Forfeiture: Disrupting Criminal Enterprises
The USMS manages and disposes of assets seized from criminals engaged in illegal activities. As part of the Department of Justice’s Asset Forfeiture Program, the USMS oversees nearly $2.2 billion in seized property. The proceeds from the sale of these assets are reinvested into law enforcement initiatives, further strengthening crime-fighting efforts.
Witness Security: Protecting Those Who Speak Out
The USMS Witness Security Program safeguards witnesses who testify against organized crime and other major criminal activities. Since its inception in 1971, the program has protected, relocated, and provided new identities for over 8,500 witnesses and 9,900 family members. This essential program ensures the integrity of the justice system by allowing witnesses to testify without fear of reprisal. The USMS’ expertise in witness protection is globally recognized, providing guidance and training to officials worldwide. The Witness Security Program is a crucial element in combating criminal organizations and international terrorism.
