The marshals of the United States Marshals Service (USMS) are highly trained law enforcement officials who serve to carry out the law enforcement duties of the federal judiciary. The U.S. Marshals Service in the District of Montana coordinates their criminal investigations and apprehension efforts through a number of strategic task forces, such as the Montana Violent Offender Task Force.
This Montana Task Force, which was formed in 2005, began in Billings and has since expanded to the USMS offices in Missoula and Great Falls. In the first five years alone, the Violent Offender Task Force cleared more than 2,500 felony cases, 97 percent of which were cleared within the first 60 days after the warrant was received. Partner agencies include the Yellowstone Sheriff’s Office, the Billings Police Department, and the Montana Department of Corrections Probation and Parole Division.
U.S. Marshal Jobs and Training Requirements in Montana
The United States Marshal Service, through their employment and training process, ensures that only the most qualified candidates attain jobs as U.S. deputy marshals. From judicial security and prisoner services to investigative services and special operations groups, U.S. marshals serve the federal judiciary in a number of areas. Therefore, they must meet the USMS’s minimum qualifications:
- Must be United States citizens
- Must be between the ages of 21 and 36
- Must be in excellent physical and medical condition
- Must possess a valid driver’s license
- Must meet the GL-7 federal requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with at least a 3.0 overall GPA, a 3.5 GPA in courses related to the major course of study; OR
- At least one full year of graduate-level study in a program related to the field of law enforcement, such as: criminal justice, criminology, emergency management, homeland security, etc.; OR
- At least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GL-5 level
The hiring process for U.S. marshals depends on the needs of the agency; therefore, individuals should watch for updates through the USMS website. Upon viewing the applications for U.S. marshal jobs in Montana and determining which candidates meet the minimum qualifications for employment, the USMS requires candidates to complete the following:
- A two-part competitive examination (used for ranking purposes)
- A structured panel interview
- A comprehensive background investigation
- A physical fitness assessment
Pre-Employment Training and Agreements
Before extending a job offer to all qualified candidates for U.S. marshal jobs in Montana, the USMS requires individuals to sign a mobility agreement stating that they may be moved according to the needs of the agency. Further, all new U.S. marshals are required to stay at their initial duty station for at least 3 years.
When applying for U.S. marshal jobs, candidates have the opportunity to select up to 8 districts and/or locations where they prefer to be assigned.
All new U.S. deputy marshals in Montana must attend training within 160 days of applying. Training occurs at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia. This 17 ½ week program requires classroom study, physical conditioning, tactical training, 7 examinations, and a final physical fitness assessment.
Areas of training include: firearms training, firearms training, computer training, first aid training, surveillance training, and search and seizure training, among others.