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Along with excellent pay ranging from $29,082 to $48,553 as of 1995, U.S. Park Police Officers earn
a 10 percent premium for night work, a 25 percent premium for Sundays, and a full range of federal benefits.
DEPUTY U.S. MARSHAL
The Judiciary Act of 1789 authorized creation of the federal court system and, with it, the office of U.S.
Marshal. As officers of the court, U.S. Marshals became responsible for carrying out the orders of federal
courts. In the early years of the nation, and particularly in the frontier areas of the West, U.S. Marshals
and Deputy U.S. Marshals faced the difficult task of executing their duties as federal peace officers under
hostile and often dangerous conditions. Most Americans are familiar with historical accounts describing
the hardships, adventures, and heroics of these officers. Since the first 13 U.S. Marshals were appointed,
duties of the office have broadened to a substantial degree. Today, 94 Marshals appointed by the President
of the United States direct the complex work activities of Deputy U.S. Marshals in each of the U.S.
Judicial Districts.
Duties of the Job
Under the direction of U.S. Marshals, Deputy U.S. Marshals perform a variety of duties, primarily of a
law enforcement nature. Deputies are charged with primary responsibility for providing security to the
federal courts and for ensuring the personal safety of judges, jurors, and attorneys as well as the physical
security of court buildings and facilities. They remove disorderly spectators from court premises and, in
some cases, repel attempted attacks by intruders during federal judicial proceedings. During crucial court
cases, Deputies conduct surveys of federal court buildings to determine the adequacy of security and,
where necessary, recommend the use of fixed and mobile security units. Specially trained Deputies
furnish 24-hour protection to federal judges and their immediate families when threats, whether real or
apparent, are made as a result of decisions rendered by the court. The Marshals Service has primary
responsibility for investigating violations of certain federal fugitive statutes. Deputies perform investi-
gative duties in the execution of arrest warrants for federal probation, parole, mandatory release, and bond
default violators and in the apprehension of federal escapees. Under the Organized Crime Act of 1970,
the U.S. Marshals Service provides protection to state and federal witnesses who testify for the
government in cases against organized crime. The protection of these witnesses, and members of their
families whose lives may be jeopardized by court testimony, can extend from the initial court appearance
through the completion of the trial and includes the use of modern electronic communication and security
equipment. Deputy U.S. Marshals have the added responsibility of maintaining custody of federal
prisoners from the time of arrest to their sentencing or release from confinement. They also transport
federal prisoners between court and prison facilities as directed by legal warrants and the Bureau
of Prisons.
The Marshals Service also performs specialized law enforcement functions for the U.S. Attorney
General. The service's Special Operations Group (SOG) is frequently called upon to perform such tasks.
A specially trained mobile force of Deputy U.S. Marshals, SOG's mission is to provide swift federal
assistance in emergency situations that have national impact such as terrorist activities, major civil
disturbances, riots, and mob violence situations. Membership in the elite SOG is part-time work and is
purely voluntary. Normally, only one out of every two persons who apply will be accepted for the
program. To be eligible, Deputies must be in superb physical condition and must successfully complete
the special operations training course. The SOG furnishes backup support to U.S. Marshals in the various
judicial districts. It can assemble a fully operational force anywhere in the United States within a period
of six hours. The duties require physical stamina to resist assaults, repel unruly crowds, or subdue and
