The U.S. Marshals Service, as the enforcement arm of the federal judiciary, plays an integral role in the majority of federal investigations and enforcement initiatives. It also serves as a coordinating agency that brings together the efforts of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies through a number of task forces.
For example, in June 2010, the United States Marshals Service, Maryland District, created, organized and hosted the Fugitive Safe Surrender in Baltimore, the 18th such event nationwide but the first in Maryland. Since the program’s inception in 2005, more than 25,000 people have surrendered themselves. The Maryland District’s Fugitive Safe Surrender was carried out with the support of government, corporate, nonprofit and faith-based partners.
The United States Marshals Service Maryland District has its headquarters in Baltimore, with federal court for this state located in Baltimore, Cumberland, Greenbelt, and Denton and, at times, at suitable sites in Montgomery or Prince George County.
How to Become a U.S. Marshal in Maryland
Individuals who want to become a U.S. marshal in Maryland can do so by either applying during an open recruitment period (the USMS announces them on their website) or by completing the U.S. Marshals Service Centralized Student Career Experience Program:
Applying During an Open Recruitment Period
The U.S. Marshals Service only hires during open recruitment/hiring events, so it is important to remain updated on when these take place. Individuals may either check the USMS website for updates or contact their local field office for more information. However, before applying for a U.S. Marshals job in Maryland, individuals must first determine if they meet the agency’s minimum requirements for employment:
- Must be a United States citizen
- Must be between the ages of 21 and 36
- Must possess a valid driver’s license
- Must qualify at the federal GL-7 pay grade, which includes:
- Possessing a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with at least a 3.0 overall GPA and a 3.5 GPA in all major-related courses; OR
- Possessing at least one full year of graduate-level education in a program related to law enforcement, such as: criminology, sociology, criminal justice, etc.; OR
- Possessing at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GL-5 level, which includes work in criminal investigation/law enforcement
- Passing a competitive examination
- Passing a physical fitness assessment
- Passing a background investigation
- Meeting specific medical requirements, including acceptable vision, hearing, and mobility/flexibility/strength
Applying Through the Centralized Student Career Experience Program
The Centralized Student Career Experience program (CSCEP) is a 16-week program that is designed for college students who are working toward degrees in:
- Sociology
- Social sciences
- Public administration
- Psychology
- Political science
- Criminal justice
Students who complete the program may be offered a U.S. marshal position upon graduating and upon completing the program and USMS training. Minimum requirements for the CSCEP include:
- Must be a United States citizen
- Must be at least 20 years old
- Must be a current student (junior or senior)
- Must have a minimum 3.0 GPA in the major course of study and a 2.75 overall GPA
- Must possess a valid driver’s license
- Must pass a panel interview
- Must complete a comprehensive background investigation
- Must be able to complete the physical fitness test and be in excellent physical condition
Students must contact their college/university representative to apply for the program. Campus recruiting for the CSCEP is typically held during the spring and fall semester of each academic year.
Students in the program receive training in numerous areas, including: court support, warrant section, criminal, civil, and firearms familiarization.
Training Requirements for U.S. Marshals in Maryland
Training is mandatory for all new U.S. deputy marshals in Maryland and must be completed within 160 days of applying. Basic training for new U.S. marshals includes the completion of a 17 ½ week program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia.
This physically arduous program includes intense physical conditioning, tactical training, and classroom programs. There are 7 exams throughout the program that must be passed with a minimum score of 70 percent, as well as a final physical fitness assessment, that must be passed to graduate training.