U.S. Marshals "Who We Are"

The U.S. Marshals Service was the first federal law enforcement agency in the United States. Federal marshals have served the country since 1789, often in unseen but critical ways. The Marshals Service occupies a uniquely central position in the federal justice system. We are the enforcement arm of the federal courts, involved in virtually every federal law enforcement initiative. Presidentially appointed U.S. marshals – one for each federal judicial district – direct the activities of 94 districts. Approximately 3,571 deputy U.S. marshals and criminal investigators form the backbone of the agency. The duties of the U.S. Marshals Service include protecting the federal judiciary, apprehending federal fugitives, managing and selling seized assets acquired by criminals through illegal activities, housing and transporting federal prisoners, and operating the Witness Security Program.