FBI vs. US Marshal — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on November 3, 2023
FBI handles federal crimes and intelligence; US Marshals focus on federal court security and fugitive operations.
Difference Between FBI and US Marshal
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The FBI, or Federal Bureau of Investigation, is an intelligence-driven and threat-focused national security organization with both intelligence and law enforcement responsibilities. It's the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). The US Marshals Service, on the other hand, is a federal law enforcement agency within the U.S. Department of Justice. It is the oldest American federal law enforcement agency and is primarily concerned with the protection of officers of the court, court buildings, and the effective operation of the judiciary.
The FBI's responsibilities include the investigation of a range of federal crimes, counterterrorism, counterintelligence, and addressing cyber threats, among other national security threats. The US Marshals are responsible for the protection of court officers and buildings and the safe transport of prisoners, tracking down and arresting fugitives, and managing and selling seized assets.
The FBI operates under the jurisdiction of the Department of Justice and serves as the nation’s primary investigative and domestic intelligence agency. The US Marshals, while also under the Department of Justice, serve as the enforcement arm of the federal courts, ensuring the safe conduct of judicial proceedings and protecting federal judges.
The FBI’s jurisdiction encompasses a wide range of federal criminal, national security, and intelligence matters. The US Marshals, however, have a more specific focus, with responsibilities including fugitive apprehension, the management of federal witnesses, and the execution of civil judgments.
The FBI often engages in long-term investigations and intelligence operations concerning national security and federal crimes. Conversely, the US Marshals perform tasks requiring immediate response, such as apprehending fugitives, transporting prisoners, and protecting witnesses in federal cases.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Function
Investigating federal crimes and protecting national security
Providing security to federal courts and apprehending fugitives
Agency Type
Intelligence and law enforcement
Federal law enforcement
Operational Focus
Broad range of federal criminal, national security, and intelligence operations
Judicial security, fugitive operations, witness security, prisoner transport
Establishment
Part of the Department of Justice; 1908
Oldest federal law enforcement agency; 1789
Jurisdiction
Nationwide, with international offices
Nationwide, primarily involved in federal judicial districts
Compare with Definitions
FBI
The primary federal law enforcement agency for investigating federal crimes.
The FBI is investigating the case as an act of terrorism.
US Marshal
Federal agents tasked with the protection of witnesses in federal cases.
The witness was placed under US Marshal protection until the trial.
FBI
An agency with jurisdiction over violations of more than 200 categories of federal law.
The FBI was called in to support the investigation of the bank robbery.
US Marshal
Law enforcement officers tasked with apprehending federal fugitives.
The US Marshal apprehended the fugitive after a statewide manhunt.
FBI
The investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Justice.
The scandal led to a full FBI investigation.
US Marshal
Officers responsible for the custody, control, and transportation of prisoners.
The US Marshal safely transported the high-profile prisoner.
FBI
A national agency responsible for domestic intelligence gathering.
The FBI has warned of potential cyber threats to national security.
US Marshal
Agents responsible for managing the assets seized from criminal enterprises.
The US Marshal oversaw the auction of assets seized in the raid.
FBI
The United States' primary defense against terrorist threats.
The FBI foiled a terrorist plot targeting downtown areas.
US Marshal
Federal officers responsible for the security of the federal judiciary.
A US Marshal was stationed at the courthouse entrance.
FBI
A federal law enforcement agency that is the principal investigative arm of the Department of Justice
Common Curiosities
Are the FBI and US Marshals part of the same government department?
Yes, both the FBI and US Marshals operate under the U.S. Department of Justice.
Can the FBI operate internationally?
Yes, the FBI has legal attaché offices, called "Legats," in U.S. embassies worldwide for international cooperation.
Does the FBI engage in intelligence activities?
Yes, the FBI has a significant intelligence function, focused on national security threats like terrorism and espionage.
Can US Marshals make arrests?
Yes, US Marshals have the authority to apprehend fugitives wanted on federal warrants.
What is the primary role of the US Marshals?
US Marshals primarily ensure the safe operation of the federal judiciary, including protecting court officers, buildings, and witnesses, and apprehending fugitives.
Is the FBI involved in counterterrorism?
Yes, counterterrorism is a core focus of the FBI's national security mission.
How are FBI agents recruited?
FBI agents undergo a rigorous application process, including background checks, exams, interviews, and physical testing.
What kind of training do FBI agents receive?
FBI agents receive extensive training in areas like law, investigative techniques, firearms, and physical fitness at the FBI Academy.
Do the FBI and US Marshals collaborate?
While they have different primary functions, the FBI and US Marshals do collaborate on certain operations, especially those involving fugitives and national security.
Are US Marshals involved in prisoner transportation?
Yes, US Marshals are responsible for the safe and secure transportation of prisoners to and from court proceedings.
Does the FBI handle cybercrime?
Yes, the FBI investigates cybercrimes as part of its mandate to protect national security and combat major criminal activities.
What historical significance does the US Marshals service have?
The US Marshals Service is the oldest U.S. federal law enforcement agency, established in 1789.
What types of crimes do US Marshals pursue?
US Marshals primarily pursue fugitives wanted for federal crimes, but they also manage seized assets and provide witness protection.
How are US Marshals different from local or state law enforcement?
US Marshals operate at the federal level with a specific focus on court security, fugitive operations, and prisoner transport, unlike local or state agencies with broader mandates.
What are the ranks within the FBI?
The FBI's rank structure includes titles like Special Agent, Supervisory Special Agent, Assistant Director, and Director.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
