How to Become a U.S. Marshal
In 2010, Jerry Bruckheimer produced "Chase," a crime drama staring Kelli Giddish as Annie Frost, a U.S. marshal. The TV show portrays a team of marshals who track down killers and solve crimes. While it's a fictional program, true U.S. marshals are involved in investigating crimes and apprehending criminals. The job is dangerous, and the hours can be long. What may be even harder than doing the job, however, is getting it. U.S. marshals must be physically fit, educated and dedicated. Only a select number of officers are hired.
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Instructions
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Be a U.S. citizen between the ages of 21 and 37. You must possess a valid driver's license and have a good driving history. You must also pass a background check and have a clean criminal history.
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Possess a bachelor's degree or have three years of experience in military or law enforcement.
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Exercise regularly and stay in peak physical shape. U.S. marshals must meet strict physical fitness guidelines that vary based on age and gender. For example, a male between the ages of 20 and 29 is considered to have "good" physical fitness if he has body fat percentage between 9.5 and 14.1, can sit and reach 18.5 to 20.4 inches, can complete at least 37 push-ups and 42 sit-ups and can run a mile in under 11 minutes 41 seconds.
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Contact the recruiting officer in your district and ask if the U.S. marshals are hiring (see Resources). If positions are available, the recruiter can help sign you up for the Federal Career Intern Program held at the U.S. marshals district office. At this session, you must complete various paperwork and submit it to the office.
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Complete an interview, pass the medical exam and pass the physical fitness test. If you're selected to continue, the U.S. marshals office in your district will contact you to complete the rest of the recruitment process. If you pass these requirements, you must graduate from the U.S. Marshals Service Basic Training Academy in Glynco, Georgia.
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Tips & Warnings
Recruitment for U.S. marshals is extremely competitive, and openings are limited. The office does not continually hire new officers. According to the U.S. marshals website, "Factors such as retirement, individuals leaving the agency and funding all play a vital role in deciding when the agency will be hiring."
