The United States Marshals Service (USMS) often carries out its mission of apprehending fugitives, both domestic and foreign, through a number of programs and task forces.
The U.S. Marshals Service is organized according to the judicial district structure; therefore, USMS Vermont is one district, with its district headquarters in Burlington and additional sub-offices in Rutland and Brattleboro.
Preparing for a Career as a U.S. Marshal in Vermont
Individuals who want to learn how to become a U.S. marshal in Vermont must be prepared to meet the requirements of this federal law enforcement position. A U.S. marshal job description details minimum requirements for employment, which include:
- Must be a United States citizen
- Must be between the ages of 21 and 36
- Must possess a valid driver’s license
- Must be in excellent physical condition
- Must meet specific education/experience requirements for the GL-7 federal level
All new U.S. marshals in Vermont are hired at the GL-7 federal level. Therefore, to qualify for a job with the USMS, candidates must have the required education and/or experience at this level, which includes:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, along with a history of superior academic achievement (defined as graduating in the upper third of the class and possessing a 3.0 overall GPA and a 3.5 GPA in courses related to their major); OR
- At least one year of graduate-level education, provided it is in a program related to law enforcement, such as:
- Criminal justice
- Public safety administration
- Criminology
- Sociology; OR
- At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GL-5 federal level; specialized experience must include criminal investigation, law enforcement, and search and seizure work; OR
- A combination of acceptable education and experience
The employment process for candidates who meet the minimum requirements for employment includes:
- A two-part competitive exam
- A physical fitness assessment
- A panel interview
- A complete background investigation
From there, all new deputy U.S. marshals must complete the required basic training program, which includes 17 ½ weeks at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Glynco, Georgia.
The USMS Vermont Violent Offender Task Force
The USMS Vermont Violent Offender Task Force, along with partner agencies, work to arrest the state’s most wanted fugitives:
- January 16, 2014: The USMS Vermont Violent Offender Task Force captured a fugitive who was wanted in Vermont for escape.
- January 16, 2014: The USMS Vermont Violent Offender Task Force arrested a fugitive on assault and robbery charges.
- January 14, 2014: The USMS Vermont Violent Offender Task Force arrested a fugitive in Poultney, Vermont, who was wanted for escape.
- July 9, 2013: The USMS Vermont Violent Offender Task Force arrested a Vermont fugitive was wanted on a number of outstanding warrants, including aggravated domestic assault, since 2012.
- June 28, 2013: The USMS Vermont Violent Offender Task Force arrested a Vermont fugitive who was arrested for first degree aggravated domestic assault, disorderly conduct, and aggravated assault with a weapon.
- May 15, 2013: The USMS Vermont Violent Offender Task Force arrested a Vermont fugitive who was wanted on robbery and aggravated assault since 2012. The fugitive was charged with armed robbery of a Burlington convenient store.