United States Marshals Service Role in the Attorney General's War on Violent Crime

• NCJ Number: 88034
• Journal: Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology Volume: 73 Issue: 3 Dated: (Fall 1982) Pages: 1012-1021
• Author(s): J J Twomey; S A Laniewski
• Date Published: 1982
• Length: 10 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

With respect to the U.S. Marshals Service's (U.S.M.S.) roles in the fugitive warrants and witness protection programs, the Federal Task Force on Violence recommends an expanded budget, improved training, and greater cooperation with other law enforcement agencies.

Abstract

Federal law mandates that the U.S.M.S. seek and arrest persons charged with Federal crimes. Accordingly, the U.S.M.S. investigates and executes Federal arrest and escaped fugitive warrants. Additionally, U.S. marshals are authorized to arrest without warrant for any Federal crime committed in their presence as well as to make arrests based on probable cause for any violation of Federal law; however, the primary enforcement responsibility of the U.S. marshal is to execute Federal arrest warrants which emanate from U.S. courts under deadlines imposed by the Speedy Trial Act of 1974. The Federal Task Force on Violent Crime concluded that an increased effort against dangerous fugitives will require additional resources for either or both the FBI and U.S.M.S. The U.S.M.S. is also responsible for the witness protection program established under the Organized Crime Control Act of 1970 to protect witnesses from violence and intimidation and thereby ensure the successful prosecution of those in the hierarchy of organized crime. The Task Force also recommended financial support for the improved training of U.S. Marshals to both expand and improve the services offered by marshals. Lack of adequate resources in the budget for training and personnel is by far the most severe threat to the success of the witness protection and warrant programs. The Task Force also noted that subtle competition among Federal agencies poses a danger to protected witnesses. A cooperative effort among agencies in the sharing of information and the provision of technical assistance is recommended. Thirty-one footnotes are listed.