Criminal Justice Practice Exam

Who were the first federal law enforcement agents in the United States?

1. The Secret Service agents

2. The FBI agents

3. The US Marshals

4. The DEA agents

The correct answer is: The US Marshals

The U.S. Marshals are indeed regarded as the first federal law enforcement agents in the United States. Established in 1789, the U.S. Marshals Service was created to serve the federal judicial system. Their early responsibilities included enforcing federal court orders, tracking down and capturing fugitives, and managing the transport of prisoners. As the United States expanded and faced new challenges, the role of U.S. Marshals evolved, but their foundational position in federal law enforcement remains significant. In contrast, the Secret Service was initially founded in 1865 to combat currency counterfeiting and did not assume its broader protective role until much later. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was established in 1908, primarily focusing on national security and federal crimes, which came well after the formation of the U.S. Marshals. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was created in 1973, specifically to address drug-related crimes, making it the most recent among these agencies. The U.S. Marshals stand out as the first institutional response to federal law enforcement needs, cementing their historical importance.