U.S. Marshals Headquarters
The United States Marshals Service (USMS) plays a vital role in the criminal justice system. The agency is responsible for a range of duties including protecting the federal judiciary, apprehending fugitives, housing and transporting federal prisoners, and operating the Witness Security Program. To carry out these critical tasks, the USMS maintains headquarters in Arlington, Virginia as well as a network of local district offices across the nation.
Overview of the US Marshals Service
History
The USMS is the oldest federal law enforcement agency in the United States. It was created by the Judiciary Act of 1789, which was signed into law by President George Washington. The Marshals Service has a long and storied history of carrying out federal laws and apprehending dangerous fugitives. Its deputies have protected the federal judiciary since the nation’s founding.
Role and responsibilities
The core responsibilities of the USMS include:
- Providing security for the federal judiciary, including protecting judges, attorneys, witnesses, and jurors
- Apprehending wanted fugitives and conducting investigations related to fugitive apprehension
- Managing and transporting federal prisoners from arrest to incarceration
- Operating the Witness Security Program to protect threatened witnesses
- Seizing and managing assets acquired by criminals through illegal activities
- Executing orders and warrants issued by federal courts and agencies
Headquarters and Local District Offices
Headquarters in Arlington, VA
The headquarters of the US Marshals Service are located in Arlington, Virginia.
Leadership
The headquarters building houses the agency’s senior leadership team. This includes the Director of the USMS as well as deputies and senior executives who oversee national operations.
Location and contact info
The address of the headquarters is:
1215 South Clark Street
Arlington, VA 22202-4387
The phone number is (202) 307-9100.
Local district offices
In addition to the national headquarters, the USMS operates 94 district offices across the United States and its territories.
Organization and structure
Each district office is led by a presidentially appointed US Marshal who is responsible for overseeing all operations within their jurisdiction. The district offices are organized into regional divisions to facilitate coordination and oversight.
Key responsibilities
The district offices serve as the local arm of the agency and are responsible for carrying out the core duties of the USMS within their geographic area. This includes fugitive apprehension, judicial security, prisoner operations, and other tasks.
Coordination with headquarters
The district offices work closely with headquarters leadership to execute the mission of the Marshals Service across the nation. Headquarters provides oversight, guidance, and support to the district offices.
Key Leadership Positions
The USMS has two main leadership positions that help direct operations at the headquarters and local levels.
Director
Role and responsibilities
The Director of the USMS oversees all aspects of the agency at the national level. The Director provides guidance to district offices and shapes the strategic direction of the Marshals Service. They are responsible for managing the agency’s budget, operations, and human resources.
Recent directors
Ronald L. Davis is the current Director of the USMS. He was appointed to the role in 2021. Previous directors include Donald W. Washington, David Harlow, and Stacia Hylton. The Director is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
US Marshals
Role and responsibilities
US Marshals lead each of the 94 district offices across the country. They are responsible for overseeing all operations within their jurisdiction. Marshals manage deputy US marshals and other personnel and serve as the local face of the agency.
Appointment process
US Marshals are nominated by the President and appointed following Senate confirmation. They serve four-year terms by default. It is common for US Marshals to be reappointed and serve multiple consecutive terms.
Cooperation with Other Federal Agencies
To fulfill its broad mission, the USMS collaborates closely with other federal agencies.
Department of Justice
As a component of the Department of Justice, the USMS coordinates extensively with DOJ leadership. The agency partners with various DOJ bureaus and offices on joint operations.
Federal Bureau of Investigation
The USMS works with the FBI on fugitive apprehension, counterterrorism, and organized crime cases. The agencies partner on numerous joint task forces.
Drug Enforcement Administration
The USMS collaborates with the DEA to investigate drug crimes and arrest fugitives involved in drug trafficking organizations.
Conclusion
The US Marshals Service provides vital security, enforcement, and protective services across the United States. The agency’s headquarters in Arlington, Virginia help shape national strategy, while the 94 district offices carry out operations at the local level. The headquarters and district offices work in close coordination to successfully fulfill the mission of the USMS. The agency has a long history of protecting the federal judicial process and will continue serving a critical role in law enforcement into the future.
FAQs
Q: How many local district offices does the US Marshals Service have?
A: The USMS operates 94 district offices that align with federal judicial districts. There is at least one for every state, along with offices in US territories.
Q: Who typically leads US Marshals Service district offices?
A: Each district office is headed by a presidentially appointed US Marshal who is responsible for overseeing all operations within that jurisdiction.
Q: What is the relationship between district offices and USMS headquarters?
A: The district offices collaborate closely with headquarters to execute the USMS mission across the country. Headquarters provides guidance and oversight to the districts.
Q: What are some key agencies that the US Marshals Service partners with?
A: The USMS works closely with the Department of Justice, FBI, DEA, and other federal law enforcement agencies on joint operations and task forces.
Q: How long are US Marshals appointed to lead district offices?
A: US Marshals serve four-year terms by default, but it is common for them to be reappointed and serve multiple consecutive terms.
