U.S. Marshals Service Defendants in Custody and Prisoner Management,

Defendants in Custody and Prisoner Management

The Marshals Service assumes custody of individuals arrested by all federal agencies and is responsible for the housing and transportation of prisoners from the time they are brought into federal custody until they are either acquitted or incarcerated.

The responsibility for the detention of prisoners is challenging in its diversity and complexity. Deputy marshals must resolve issues such as: arranging for the hospitalization and care of prisoners with terminal illnesses or contagious diseases; finding lodging for dependent children of prisoner and alien material witnesses; and deciding whether the Marshals Service will grant the transfer of prisoners to state authorities pursuant to state writs.

General Management Issues

Public Defender's Handbook - Provided to assist the attorney when dealing with a fact witness.
Prisoner Photographs - Guidelines on Publicity and Photography of Federal Prisoners
Prisoner Marriages - Guidelines and Procedures
Writs and Special Productions
Bureau of Prisons - This website provides a variety of information including a directory of all federal prisons and community corrections centers, an inmate locator, inmate information and inmate programs/services.

Medical Care

The Marshals Service relies on state and local jails as well as Bureau of Prisons detention facilities to provide medical care inside the facilities. However, the Marshals Service is responsible for providing a secure escort and for paying for care when a prisoner must go to medical facilities in the local community.
Health care standards utilized for prisoners and defendants in custody

Custody and Detention

Individuals who are arrested or detained for violation of federal statutes must be brought before a magistrate or judge for an initial hearing. After the hearing, prisoners may be released or remanded into the custody of the respective U.S. Marshal to stand trial. If convicted at the actual trial, it is the agency's responsibility to deliver the prisoner to an institution to serve the imposed sentence. Read more about detention services and management.

The Marshals Service is dependent upon state or local governments for the provision of detention space and services for federal prisoners. In support of this requirement, agreements are established with local and state governments willing to provide detention space for federal prisoners. See information to the left on e-IGA procedures.

Criteria used to evaluate fixed per diem rates based on actual and allowable costs will be in accordance with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-87, Cost Principles for State, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments. OMB Circular A-87 establishes principles and standards to provide a uniform approach for determining costs and will be strictly adhered to.

Prisoners

Important Information:

Detention Facilities requesting a new Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) or housing rate modification

Effective November 19, 2007, it is mandatory for most applicants requesting a new IGA or housing rate modification to use the e-IGA automated process by submitting the application to the Office of the Federal Detention Trustee (OFDT).

Further Guidance on e-IGA procedures

Protecting Our Collective Interests
U.S. Marshal James T. Plousis of the District of New Jersey, Chief Deputy Dan O’Donnell of the Middle District of Alabama, and Assistant Director Candra S. Symonds of the Prisoner Operations Division, HQ, worked together to write an informative article providing insight into how Inter-Governmental Agreements are initiated and processed to house federal prisoners. The article, entitled “Protecting Our Collective Interests,” will be published in the Fall 2008 edition of the Sheriff Magazine.