FBI vs. US Marshal: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
The FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) is a federal law enforcement agency responsible for investigating and enforcing federal laws. U.S. Marshals are responsible for apprehending fugitives, protecting witnesses, and transporting federal prisoners.
Key Differences
The FBI, or Federal Bureau of Investigation, is primarily a federal criminal investigative body and an internal intelligence agency. In contrast, the US Marshals Service is the nation's oldest law enforcement agency, focusing on federal court security, fugitive operations, asset forfeiture, and prisoner transport.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
FBI agents often handle complex investigations related to national security, cybercrime, and organized crime. On the other hand, US Marshals play a crucial role in the federal justice system, including the protection of officers of the court and managing the witness protection program.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
The FBI operates under the jurisdiction of the Department of Justice, providing intelligence against domestic and international threats. Conversely, the US Marshals are involved in executing federal court orders, including arrest warrants and subpoena deliveries.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
Specialization within the FBI includes counterterrorism and counterintelligence, whereas the US Marshals have specialized task forces for apprehending dangerous fugitives and managing assets seized from criminal enterprises.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
In terms of jurisdiction, the FBI has a broader investigative scope across various types of federal crimes. Meanwhile, the US Marshals are more involved in the operational aspects of the federal judiciary, such as transporting prisoners and protecting judges.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Primary Function
Federal investigations and intelligence
Court security, fugitive operations
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
Specialized Units
Counterterrorism, Cybercrime
Fugitive Task Forces, Witness Security
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
Main Operations
Investigating federal crimes
Executing court orders, transporting prisoners
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
FBI and US Marshal Definitions
FBI
An agency responsible for combating terrorism and espionage.
The FBI foiled a plot aimed at national landmarks.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 04, 2023
US Marshal
Provides protection for officers of the federal judiciary.
A US Marshal was assigned to protect the federal judge.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 04, 2023
FBI
Federal Bureau of Investigation, a national security organization.
The FBI investigated the cyberattack on the government database.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 04, 2023
US Marshal
Manages the federal witness protection program.
The witness was placed under US Marshal protection for the trial duration.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 04, 2023
FBI
Handles federal-level criminal investigations and intelligence operations.
The FBI's involvement was crucial in solving the interstate fraud case.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 04, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
US Marshal
US Marshals Service, a federal law enforcement agency.
The US Marshal secured the courthouse during the high-profile trial.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 04, 2023
FBI
The FBI is a principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Justice.
The FBI led the inquiry into the organized crime syndicate.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 04, 2023
US Marshal
An agency focused on fugitive operations and prisoner transport.
The US Marshal coordinated the prisoner transfer between states.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 04, 2023
FBI
A federal agency providing criminal justice services to both federal and local agencies.
The local police collaborated with the FBI in the kidnapping case.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 04, 2023
US Marshal
Executes orders of the federal courts, including arrests and subpoenas.
The US Marshal served a subpoena to the key witness.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 04, 2023
FBI
A federal law enforcement agency that is the principal investigative arm of the Department of Justice
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is the FBI?
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, a federal investigative and intelligence agency.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
What do US Marshals do?
They provide security for federal courts, transport prisoners, and track fugitives.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
How is the FBI different from local police?
The FBI handles federal-level crimes, while local police deal with state and local offenses.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
Are US Marshals involved in witness protection?
Yes, they manage the Witness Security Program.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
Can the FBI operate internationally?
Yes, in coordination with local authorities and international agencies.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
Is the FBI part of the Department of Justice?
Yes, it operates under the Department of Justice.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
What types of cases do US Marshals handle?
Primarily cases involving federal court orders and fugitive operations.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
Does the FBI collaborate with other countries?
Yes, in matters of international security and crime.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
Does the FBI work on cybercrime?
Yes, cybercrime is one of their key focus areas.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
Can a US Marshal arrest someone?
Yes, particularly in executing federal court orders.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
What training do US Marshals receive?
They undergo rigorous law enforcement and specialized training.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
Do US Marshals have jurisdiction across state lines?
Yes, they can operate nationwide.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
Do US Marshals protect federal judges?
Yes, they ensure the safety of judges and other court officers.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
What intelligence capabilities does the FBI have?
The FBI has extensive intelligence capabilities for national security.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
How does the FBI contribute to counterterrorism?
Through investigations, intelligence gathering, and collaboration with other agencies.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
Can the FBI investigate state crimes?
Only if they have federal implications or are linked to federal offenses.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
Do US Marshals run the federal witness protection program?
Yes, they are responsible for protecting and relocating witnesses in federal cases.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
Are US Marshals involved in asset forfeiture?
Yes, they manage and dispose of assets seized from criminal activities.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
What is the role of US Marshals in the judicial system?
They ensure the smooth operation of the federal judiciary system.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
Share this page
Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
