The US air marshal program, administered by the Transportation Security Administration, aims to prevent crimes and ensure safety on flights. Candidates undergo physical, psychological, and criminal background checks, and complete two seven-week training segments. Marshals may work alone and must have excellent judgment.
In the United States, the air marshal program is administered by the Transportation Security Administration, which is part of the federal government. A law enforcement officer’s primary responsibility is to prevent crimes, such as acts of terrorism aboard an aircraft, and to keep passengers and crew safe. Countries other than the United States have similar programs.
The US Mars Marshal program began in 1968. Marshals were initially referred to as sky marshals. The program has evolved over the years, but was significantly expanded after the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001. Additional funds were provided to recruit, train and employ more airlift agents to fly undercover on various international and domestic flights. .
While not required, many candidates for the air marshal program have law enforcement experience. Potential employees must also pass a physical and psychological screening, as well as a criminal background check. All air travel agents must be United States citizens and under the age of 37 at the time of hire.
Training to become an air marshal involves classroom work, marksmanship training, and hand-to-hand combat lessons. Marshals complete two seven-week training segments. The first segment involves classes in observing criminal behavior, international terrorism, and laws that affect law enforcement officials.
Upon completion of classroom work, marshals must become extremely proficient marksmen. They also train aboard retired aircraft and go through scenarios they might encounter at work. Upon completion of training, an air marshal is assigned to a field office at any of twenty-one locations across the United States. Marshals may also be assigned to one of the Federal Bureau of Investigations Joint Terrorism Task Force offices in the US.
For national security purposes, not all information about the air marshal program is made public. What is known is that marshals can be disguised on random flights, as well as on flights deemed risky for terrorist activities. Since it is unknown what flight a marshal might be on, they can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior.
Work begins before a marshal leaves the ground. Observing passengers at the airport is part of a marshal’s job. They continue to assist passengers on board the aircraft during the course of the flight and intercept a criminal act if necessary.
The job of an air marshal can be exciting, but it’s not for everyone. Unlike other law enforcement officials, air marshals often work alone. With no immediate backup officer to rely on, they only have to rely on themselves. Marshals must have excellent judgment and be alert at all times. They have to make decisions in seconds, which can affect the lives of dozens of people aboard a flight.
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