U.S. Marshals "Justice, Integrity, and Service"
The U.S. Marshals and their Deputies have served as the instruments of civil authority for over 200 years. Throughout the 20th century more than 50 specialized federal law enforcement agencies have been created and still the Marshals have retained the broadest jurisdiction and authority. The men and women of the U.S Marshals have apprehended more fugitives and more criminals than all other Federal Law Enforcement agencies combined, dating from 1789-2010.
As our nation expanded westward marshals were appointed in every new territory to enforce law and justice to the frontier. When the Constitution principles or the force of law was challenged the marshals prevailed. President George Washington appointed the original thirteen U.S. Marshals after the Judiciary Act of 1789 was passed by Congress.
In most every lawless frontier town, the Marshals were the only kind of law. In places like Tombstone, Deadwood, and New Mexico the Marshals pursued such notorious outlaws as Jesse James, Billy the Kid, Butch Cassidy's Wild Bunch, Belle Starr, Bill Doolin and the Dalton Gang along with hundreds of others. Between 1872 and 1896, 103 deputies gave their lives to enforce the law. Known courageous men like Wyatt Earp, Bill Tilghman, Bat Masterson, and Wild Bill Hickok made names for themselves as they cleaned up the streets in the West. Many deputy Marshals that are less well known due to lack of publicity have also earned their place in history as heroic lawmen. Throughout the years, over 400 marshals have been killed in the line of duty.
Today the job remains essentially the same. Marshals and their deputies secure the Federal Courts, protect judges, witnesses, and other court officers. They track down and arrest fugitives from justice, transport prisoners, manage hundreds of millions of dollars in assets seized from criminals, enforce the orders of courts, and perform many other law enforcement tasks essential to the operation of the Federal justice system. The first United States Marshals Posse was formed in California to commemorate this history. The Posse is the first duly sworn Posse in almost 100 years and is calling to attention the traditions of the United States Marshals.
U.S. Marshals Service
History of the U.S. Marshal Service
As our nation expanded westward marshals were appointed in every new territory to enforce law and justice to the frontier. When the Constitution principles or the force of law was challenged the marshals prevailed. President George Washington appointed the original thirteen U.S. Marshals after the Judiciary Act of 1789 was passed by Congress.
In most every lawless frontier town, the Marshals were the only kind of law. In places like Tombstone, Deadwood, and New Mexico the Marshals pursued such notorious outlaws as Jesse James, Billy the Kid, Butch Cassidy's Wild Bunch, Belle Starr, Bill Doolin and the Dalton Gang along with hundreds of others. Between 1872 and 1896, 103 deputies gave their lives to enforce the law. Known courageous men like Wyatt Earp, Bill Tilghman, Bat Masterson, and Wild Bill Hickok made names for themselves as they cleaned up the streets in the West. Many deputy Marshals that are less well known due to lack of publicity have also earned their place in history as heroic lawmen. Throughout the years, over 400 marshals have been killed in the line of duty.
Today the job remains essentially the same. Marshals and their deputies secure the Federal Courts, protect judges, witnesses, and other court officers. They track down and arrest fugitives from justice, transport prisoners, manage hundreds of millions of dollars in assets seized from criminals, enforce the orders of courts, and perform many other law enforcement tasks essential to the operation of the Federal justice system. The first United States Marshals Posse was formed in California to commemorate this history. The Posse is the first duly sworn Posse in almost 100 years and is calling to attention the traditions of the United States Marshals.
U.S. Marshals Service
History of the U.S. Marshal Service
John Kammerzell
John Kammerzell is the current Colorado U.S. Marshal in the center.