Fact Sheets  

Judicial Security Division

Since 1789, the U.S. Marshals Service has been the enforcement arm of the federal courts and has been responsible for protecting the federal judicial process.

Employing a national network of deputy U.S. marshals, physical security specialists, intelligence analysts and support staff, the agency:

• Ensures the safe and secure conduct of judicial proceedings at more than 400 locations in 94 federal court districts
• Provides protection for federal judges, U.S. attorneys, assistant U.S. attorneys, personnel, jurors, the visiting public and prisoners
• Assesses, mitigates and deters approximately 1,400 threats and inappropriate communications against the judiciary each year
• Continuously develops and uses innovative protective techniques
• Manages facility and personal security programs around the globe

The U.S. Marshals also manage the security for federal court facilities, including:

• Daily operations and personnel management of the Court Security Officer program
• Contract responsibilities for private security contracts at all federal courthouses
• Management of security and monitoring systems for judicial spaces
• Daily oversight responsibility of the courts security funding

The U.S. Marshals Court Security Officer program and security systems for space occupied by the judiciary are funded separately by a court security appropriation. The appropriation also funds certain employees who administer daily courthouse security functions.

The National Center for Judicial Security provides advice, assistance, services and support to federal, state, local and international jurisdictions. NCJS programs and activities include security assessments, training, information sharing and technology review.


Office of Public Affairs
Revised April 05, 2011