The U.S. Marshals Service offices in Tennessee are divided into three districts based on the Federal District court system in place in the state. Those districts are referred to as the Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of Tennessee.
Pursuing a U.S. Marshals Career in Tennessee
Basic Requirements – Individuals interested in U.S. Marshals jobs must be U.S. citizens between the ages of 21 and 36 and must also possess a valid driver’s license in good standing. In addition, candidates should be in a good physical condition, as they will be required to meet medical qualifications and must also be able to pass an extensive background investigation.
Degree or Relevant Experience – Candidates must also possess education or experience that meets GL-07 level requirements. Candidates should have at least a bachelor’s degree with superior academic achievement or one year of graduate study in an area closely related to law enforcement. Candidates may also possess one year of specialized law enforcement experience.
Candidates recruited for application will undergo a structured interview and assessment process.
Training – All U.S. Marshals Service new hires must complete basic training at the Federal Law Enforcement training Center in Glynco, Ga. The 17 ½ week program will involve training in several areas, including:
- Physical conditioning and defensive tactics
- Firearms training
- Officer survival
- Legal training and courtroom procedure and security
- Computer training
- Witness security
U.S. Marshals Service Districts in Tennessee
Eastern District — The Eastern District of Tennessee serves the cities of Knoxville, Greeneville, Winchester, and Chattanooga. Among the many duties of U.S. Marshals in Tennessee’s Eastern District is overseeing the Smoky Mountains Fugitive Task Force.
The Smoky Mountains Fugitive Task Force locates and arrests persons with outstanding state or federal warrants through a coordinated effort with local law enforcement agencies in an effort to increase public safety. The Smoky Mountains Fugitive Task Force has had several recent arrests, including:
- February 2014: A fugitive was arrested in Maynardville, TN after a two-year manhunt in a coordinated effort between the task force and the Union County Sherriff’s Office
- January 2014: A fugitive wanted for Conspiracy to Commit Murder, Attempted Murder, as well as drug trafficking charges was arrested in Cosby after a month-long manhunt covering two states by U.S. Marshals assigned to the task force.
Middle District — The Middle District of Tennessee operates out of the major city of Nashville. U.S. Marshals in the Middle District have many exciting career opportunities, including assignment with the Middle Tennessee Joint Fugitive Task Force.
The Middle Tennessee Joint Fugitive Task Force involves several local and state law enforcement agencies and focuses on apprehending fugitives with outstanding warrants. In May of 2013, the task force, along with the Nashville Police, captured a suspect wanted for the shooting death of a 17-year-old victim.
Western District — The Western District of Tennessee serves the major cities of Memphis and Jackson. U.S. Marshals serving the Western District have a strong history of successful fugitive investigations and frequently make arrests through independent U.S. Marshals task force operations. A few recent examples of successful fugitive captures include:
- February 2014: U.S. Marshals capture a mother alleged of abusing her medically troubled child to death and return her to Shelby County where to will stand trial.
- March 2013: U.S. Marshals track a prison escapee who went on the run from a federal prison camp in Millington, TN over 400 miles to central Kentucky and return him to federal custody.