Career With Criminal Justice

A career within the criminal justice field that I find interesting and would like to pursue would be a career as a deputy within the United States Marshal Service. The primary responsibilities and duties of a deputy U.S. marshal include providing protective services for judicial officers such as judges, attorneys and jurors; transporting prisoners ; conducting fugitive investigations such as locating and apprehending wanted criminals; tactical operations including special missions involving homeland security or national emergencies; asset forfeiture which consist of managing and disposing of seized and forfeited properties acquired by criminals through illegal activities; and witness security which includes ensuring the safety of witnesses who are testifying for the government in cases involving organized crime and other significant criminal activities. The work of a deputy U.S. marshal often involves dangerous situations and can be stressful as they may be subject to witness accidents and deaths. Although most marshals usually work a 40 hour work week, they must be available at any time on call in the case of an emergency situation which may also put a strain on their personal lives. U.S. marshals also travel frequently and may work indoors or outdoors in many different climates and locations.

Training to become a U.S. marshal consists of a 17 ½ week long academy program that includes training such as defensive tactics, firearms training, physical conditioning, computer training, search and seizure, officer survival, prisoner search and restraint, first aid, as well as various other physical and classroom training and exams . Prior to attending the academy applicants are strongly advised to be in top physical condition. Due to the vigorous physical training of the program applicants are required to pass a physical fitness test given by the United States Marshal Service personnel. This test must be successfully passed within six months prior to attending the academy.

To qualify to become a deputy U.S. marshal, an applicant must be a U.S. citizen. They must also be between the ages of 21 and 36. Applicants must also have either a bachelor’s degree or three years of qualifying work experience or a combination of the both. Qualifying experience includes specialized work, at least one year, demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully perform duties of the position. They must also have experience dealing tactfully with associates, subordinates, the public and prisoners; planning and carrying out criminal investigations, making arrests, serving court orders, executing warrants, preparing reports, and using firearms. Additionally they must have experience in utilizing knowledge of the law and court proceedings as they relate to search and seizure matters.

            Compensation for entry level deputies is based on a pay scale which varies due to geographic location which employed. However, on average, the annual salary for entry level deputies ranges between $38,511 and $48,708. In general, individuals are eligible for promotion after one year. The employment outlook for U.S. marshals is expected to grow 10 percent which about the average growth of any job. This field is highly competitive and selection is vigorous so advanced education and experience is important. Some benefits of being a U.S. marshal include the diversity in the job duties, opportunities to travel, job security, and benefits that come along with the position. Some disadvantages however may include the strenuous working conditions, emotional distress, and disruption of their personal life.

            In order to achieve this career goal I will need to focus on obtaining more education in order to work towards getting a bachelor’s degree. I will also need to work on physical conditioning and getting into better overall shape in order to past the pre-academy physical test. I will need to obtain more experience so I will try to obtain a position where I will be able to learn and practice utilizing some of the skills needed to be a marshal such as preparing documents, dealing with the public and performing some form of investigations. I would like to take a few courses to gain knowledge of the law and court proceedings. I would also like to receive some more firearms training and possibly obtain a license. Some potential contacts and resources I could utilize in order to maintain more information about this career would be the U.S. Marshal Service recruiter and also the official U.S. Marshals website. The website has plenty of valuable information including how to apply, qualifications needed, compensation information and more. Any other questions I may have can be answered by the U.S. Marshals Service recruiter who is always readily available.


Cesar Fernandez