Survival and Emergency Preparedness

Their protection is provided by the Supreme Court Police, one of the smallest federal agencies.

The Supreme Court Police is lead by the Marshal of the United States Supreme Court. The duties of the Marshal are similar to the court officer aspects of the United States Marshal in any of the 94 United States judicial court districts. This said, This Marshal has no association with the United States Marshals Service. In the history of the position (created in 1867), there have been ten Marshals. By statute, the Marshal is appointed by the Supreme Court and serves at their discretion.

The force itself, currently numbering about 125, is responsible for security of the court building, its inhabitants, and it visitors. Additionally, they provide personal protection to the Justices at all times. In many ways, their mission, training, and authority is similar to that of the judicial security role of the United States Marshals Service. I would fully expect that a large number of the members of this force have been cross-deputized by the Marshals Service to increase their authority and jurisdiction.

When Justice David Souter was mugged while jogging in 2004, commentators questioned why his protective detail hadn't been present. Members of the Police explained that Justices prefer to rely on their relative anonymity for protection.