Fugitive Investigations

The U.S. Marshals Service has long been the primary federal agency with responsibility for locating and arresting federal fugitives. Recently, however, Congress enacted new legislation that gave the Marshals Service statutory authority to support the fugitive apprehension efforts of state and local law enforcement agencies. With this expanded mandate, the Marshals Service has focused its attention on locating and arresting fugitives wanted by state and local agencies. The emphasis is on supporting state and local law enforcement agencies in reducing crime by apprehending violent fugitives. The Marshals Service has established regional and district fugitive task forces, has provided training to numerous law enforcement agencies, and has assisted in international fugitive apprehension efforts. Results indicate that efforts have been highly successful; so much so that plans are under way to expand the number of task forces.