U.S. Marshals' Dilemma: Serving Two Branches of Government

摘要

Since 1969 U.S. marshals have been responsible for performing two fundamental missions-one under the control of the Department of Justice, an executive branch agency, and the other under the control of the judicial branch. The manner in which the existing organizational relationship has been implemented (1) prevents the U.S. Marshals Service from effectively managing law enforcement programs assigned by the Attorney General and (2) interferes with the marshals' performance of essential duties for the Federal courts which hinders the judicial process. This report contains recommendations that provide the Department of Justice and the judiciary an opportunity to administratively resolve the problems caused by the existing relationship. It also recommends that the Congress eliminate the dual authority structure if the two agencies cannot administratively resolve the dilemma faced by U.S. marshals.