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(C) The U.S. Marshals Service -- A New SIGINT Customer
FROM:
Account Manager for the U.S. Marshals Service (S112)
Run Date: 10/05/2004
(C) The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) often brings to mind lawmen hunting down fugitives in
the Old West. While fugitive apprehension remains one of its core missions, USMS
responsibilities and operations now include support to National Special Security Events (NSSEs)*
and protection of the U.S. jurisprudence system. Like special forces of the justice system, they
provide force protection to U.S. law enforcement agencies themselves. The scope of their foreign
mission is quickly expanding in support of the Global War on Terrorism and homeland security,
and NSA is teaming with them in a relationship that promises mutual benefits.
Who Are the Marshals?
(C) USMS, like DEA and FBI, is a component of the Department of Justice and is operationally
dispersed across the country and around the globe. To counter the growing worldwide
dimension of the threats, USMS is working hard to establish more offices abroad and collaborate
more closely with foreign law enforcement, including Interpol and European Union authorities.
(C) The Marshals' unique expertise lies in pinpointing the location of fugitives. After
apprehension, they typically render the bad guys quickly to other law enforcement authorities.
We rarely see U.S. Marshals on the podium announcing a major arrest-they are one organization
that prefers not to take the credit in public. (But just ask them off-stage, and they will give you
the real scoop.) Their Electronic Surveillance Unit (ESU) functions like an intelligence operations
team to stealthily monitor the communications and movements of fugitives of U.S. justice. This
team had provided technical assistance in the efforts to capture the elusive DC area sniper in
the Fall of 2002.
(C) During major events, including trials of notorious fugitives, the Marshals provide force
protection and coordinate closely with other law enforcement agencies. In this respect, the ESU
has been preparing for upcoming terrorist trials in Northern Virginia by surveilling and
photographing the court area from the air, conducting ground inspections, and analyzing lead
information to determine potential threat sources, safe routes, and defensive positions.
How Does SID Interact with the Marshals?
(C//SI) SID's relationship with USMS was formalized in a February 2004 Memorandum of
Understanding. The potential benefit of SIGINT support for the apprehension of foreign fugitives
is obvious, particularly as USMS expands its presence and activities abroad. However, both NSA
and USMS can also gain much by exchanging expertise in areas such as geolocational and social
network analysis, contact chaining, and technical/collection tools. The fact that Marshals stay out
of the public limelight and courtrooms helps reduce fears of jeopardizing SIGINT equities -- the
new MOU establishes further procedures for handling SIGINT and acting on lead information that
is based on foreign intelligence and counterintelligence.
(C//SI) The ESU recently completed a new SCIF with assistance from NSA's Information
Assurance Directorate (IAD) and soon will be plugged into the Intelligence Community over the
Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System (JWICS). As their mission grows, the
Marshals are also realizing the potential benefits of further IAD products and services to secure
their communications and operations.
(C//SI) For its part, SID touches this law enforcement partner through its representative to the
Department of Justice and further manages the relationship with a Customer Account Manager
and Senior Executive Account Manager. This S1 team facilitates USMS exchanges with S2 and S3
elements, and the Office of General Counsel is an integral member of this partnership. As with
all law enforcement entities, new formal SIGINT requirements are submitted through the FBI.
SID's relationship with USMS is just getting off the ground, and NSA is sure to enjoy many
success stories as our partnership grows.
(U//FOUO) For more information: Contact the SID Account Management office (S112) or visit
the Marshals' Internet website: http://www.usmarshals.gov
*(U) Note: See the related story NSA Provides Un-'conventional' Support .
"(U//FOUO) SIDtoday articles may not be republished or reposted outside NSANet
without the consent of S0121 (DL sid_comms)."
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DERIVED FROM: NSA/CSSM 1-52, DATED 08 JAN 2007 DECLASSIFY ON: 20320108