United States Marshals Service facts for kids
The U.S. Marshals Service is the oldest federal law enforcement agency in the United States. It helps keep federal courts safe and makes sure laws are followed. Marshals work to protect judges and other court staff. They also find people who are wanted by the law, serve arrest warrants, and transport prisoners.
Contents
What Do U.S. Marshals Do?
The U.S. Marshals Service has several important jobs. They are different from other police groups because they focus on the federal court system.
Protecting Courts and People
One main job of the Marshals is to protect federal courts. This includes keeping judges, lawyers, and other court workers safe. They also make sure court buildings are secure. This helps everyone feel safe when they are at court.
Finding Wanted People
Marshals are very good at finding people who are trying to avoid the law. These people are called fugitives. Marshals track them down and bring them to justice. They also serve arrest warrants, which are official papers that allow someone to be arrested.
Moving Prisoners Safely
Another big task for the Marshals is moving prisoners. They transport people who have been arrested or convicted of federal crimes. This can be from one court to another, or to a prison. They make sure these trips are safe and secure.
Marshals vs. FBI
The U.S. Marshals Service is a federal law enforcement agency, but it is different from the FBI.
U.S. Marshals Focus
The Marshals Service mainly works with the federal court system. Their jobs are about protecting courts, finding fugitives, and moving prisoners. They mostly work inside the USA.
FBI's Role
The FBI has a wider range of duties. They investigate serious crimes like counter-terrorism and organized crime. The FBI also works in many countries around the world, not just the USA. Both agencies are important for keeping the country safe, but they have different main goals.
History of the Marshals Service
The U.S. Marshals Service was created in 1789. This makes it the oldest federal law enforcement agency in the United States. Marshals have played a big role throughout American history.
Early Days
In the early days, U.S. Marshals were important for keeping law and order in new territories. They helped make sure federal laws were followed across the growing country. Famous marshals like Wyatt Earp and Wild Bill Hickok worked in the Wild West. They helped bring peace to rough towns.
Important Moments
Marshals have been involved in many key moments. For example, in the 1960s, they helped protect civil rights leaders. They escorted James Meredith and Ruby Bridges to school during the Civil Rights Movement. This showed their role in upholding federal laws and protecting people's rights.
Images for kids
-
Deputy U.S. Marshal Morgan Earp in an 1881 photograph
-
U.S. marshals accompanying James Meredith to class
-
Marshals escort six year old Ruby Bridges from school.
-
Bat Masterson (standing second from right), Wyatt Earp (sitting second from left), and other deputy marshals during the Wild West era
-
Equipment used by the USMS
-
Marshals being briefed for Operation FALCON III, 2008
-
United States Marshals escorting a prisoner in court
-
Deputy United States Marshal guarding prisoners
-
Frank Eaton
See also
In Spanish: Servicio de Marshals de Estados Unidos para niños
