The U.S. Marshal Service has served the district of North Dakota since February 27, 1890. The district is headquartered in the city of Fargo. Some other major cities served by North Dakota’s sole district include Bismarck, Minot, and Grand Forks.
U.S. Marshals serving the district of North Dakota focus much of their attention on ongoing fugitive investigations. As the state does not have a local fugitive task force, U.S. Marshals bear much of this burden on their own, working independently with local law enforcement agencies and citizens.
U.S. Marshals in North Dakota also work to provide comprehensive prisoner services. Some of the areas of prisoner services that the U.S. Marshal Service in North Dakota oversees include:
- General federal prisoner custody and management
- Obtaining federal prisoner detention space
- Federal prisoner property inventory and disposal
- Federal prisoner deathbed and funeral visits
- Federal prisoner marriages
What it Takes to Become a US Marshal in North Dakota
Individuals interested in learning how to become U.S. Marshals will be joining the oldest and most adaptable law enforcement agency in the United States. The U.S. Marshals Service performs duties in a wide variety of areas, including:
- Judicial security
- Prisoner transportation/JPATS
- Fugitive Investigations
- Prisoner Services
- Witness Security
- Asset Forfeiture
- Special Missions
U.S. citizens interested in pursuing career opportunities as U.S. Marshals in North Dakota and who are between the ages of 21 and 36 with a valid driver’s license, must also meet the following education/experience requirements:
- One year of graduate level study in a law enforcement field or related area of study i.e. Criminal Justice; OR
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with documented superior academic achievement, such as 3.0 overall GPA; OR
- 1 year of specialized experience that demonstrates knowledge and abilities that will help the individual successfully perform duties related to the position; OR
- A combination of education of experience to achieve GL-07 Level qualification
Candidates who meet these requirements will be submitted to an application process that will include a structured interview process and assessments, including a physical examination to ensure candidates meet medical qualifications. Candidates will also have to undergo an extensive background investigation.
Training for New US Marshals in North Dakota
The U.S. Marshals Service Basic Training Academy is a 17 ½ week program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, GA. Prior to beginning the training program, candidates will be expected to pass a physical fitness test to ensure that candidates are in excellent physical condition and can withstand the rigor of the program. Physical conditioning includes:
- Intense exercise including running and calisthenics
- Obstacle courses and related conditioning activities
- Defensive tactics training
Other areas of training will include:
- Legal training including courtroom evidence and procedure
- Firearms training
- Officer survival and first aid
- Search and seizure
- Surveillance
- Protective service training
Students will take several exams throughout their course of study. They are expected to pass all examinations with at least 70% in order to graduate from the training program. Students are also required to pass a FIT test at the end of training.