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arrest lawbreakers. Deputies must also be capable of running considerable distances to reach emergency
scenes, enduring extended exposure to varying types of weather conditions, and standing for extended
periods of time. In addition to these activities, Deputy U.S. Marshals carry out their traditional duty of
serving a variety of civil writs and criminal warrants issued by federal courts. Their assignments may
involve seizing and disposing of property according to court orders or performing other special
enforcement duties as directed by federal decree or by the U.S. Department of Justice. In executing their
responsibilities, Deputies deal with persons from all levels of society and apply extensive knowledge of
federal and state laws under which they have jurisdiction. They are further responsible for the custody
and control of property, money, and evidence confiscated under federal law.
Working Conditions
Positions for Deputy U.S. Marshal are located in the 94 U.S. Judicial Districts of the U.S. Marshals
Service centered in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. For the
most part, jobs are located in or near larger metropolitan areas. Openings that occur outside of the 48
contiguous states (Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands) are filled by residents of those areas.
Newly hired Deputy Marshals must be willing to accept an initial assignment to any duty location and
must be available for transfer to different work locations based on the needs of the U.S. Marshals Service.
This work involves frequent travel for extended periods of time as well as irregular work schedules and
overtime. It also may involve personal risk, working under both physical and mental stress, and the
possibility of physical injury during the performance of duties. Fringe benefits of this work include paid
vacation and holidays, sick leave, overtime pay, low-cost medical and life insurance, injury compensa-
tion, and a retirement pension. Deputy U.S. Marshals with 20 years of law enforcement service may retire
at age 50 if they so choose.
Promotion Opportunities
All Deputy U.S. Marshals enter the service at grade GS-5. Once appointed, they may progress to the
GS-9 level. Positions above this level are filled through service-wide competition. These higher-level
jobs often require reassignment to another district at government expense.
POSTAL POLICE OFFICER
A Postal Police Officer provides a full range of security services at major post offices and at other postal
installations and facilities. The Postal Police Officer may work inside postal buildings or outdoors at
loading docks and in parking lots. A Postal Police Officer may be armed.
Duties of the Job
Postal Police Officers perform all the functions of municipal police officers but within the limited
jurisdiction of postal property. Their assignments tend to be concentrated in and near population centers
where postal buildings are large and heavily trafficked and where many postal vehicles are garaged and
dispatched.
Within postal buildings, Postal Police Officers maintain security against ordinary hazards and
sabotage. They assist postal patrons and employees in giving simple directions and when called upon in
cases of accident or emergency. While security against fraud within the postal community is the province
of Postal Inspectors, Postal Police protect the mails and postal resources against theft.
