This website is an independent educational resource and NOT affiliated with any official U.S. government agency.
Which is truly the "oldest" federal agency?
The U.S Marshals and Postal Postal Inspectors have both publicly, shamelessly and repeatedly attempted to claim the title of the "oldest" federal agency. Many HSI Special Agents have also been known to similarly throw down in the mix with their own boasts of U.S. Customs historical precedence. Of course it is understandable why all are attempting to claim this trophy as the legacy title helps with their branding, prestige and public awareness campaigns. The reality is a bit more complicated and for the purposes of this analysis I will stick to the 1811 Criminal Investigator agencies.
The United States Marshals Service (USMS) traces its origins to the Judiciary Act of 1789, which created the Federal Judiciary (i.e. Supreme Court), and among other things, the position of United States Marshal for each district. In addition to courts summons, the first deputy U.S. Marshals had a number of odd functions. These early Marshals were entrusted to pay the fees and expenses of the court clerks, U.S. Attorneys, jurors and witnesses. They even rented the courtrooms & jail space and hired the bailiffs & janitors. The modern national USMS as it stands today was
constituted in 1969 to provide uniform guidance and assistance to U.S. Marshals throughout the federal judicial districts,
and offer a consistent umbrella for the service.
The United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) can trace its origins to the establishment of the "Surveyor" position in 1772. Under the colonial postal system, then Postmaster General Benjamin Franklin created the new position of "Surveyor" to handle regulating Post Office and auditing postal accounts. Surveyors became the first Postal Inspectors, and were also required to investigate thefts of mail or postal funds, often committed by a rider, innkeeper, or other person entrusted with the US Mail. On August 7, 1775, Benjamin Franklin authorized a total of $170.00 for to carry out the duties of the first "Surveyors," consequently August 7 is recognized as the "birthday" of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. In 1801, the title of "surveyor" was changed to Special Agent and later rebranded as "U.S. Postal Inspectors."
Relatedly, the Tariff Act of 1789 authorized the collection of duties and imports, and subsequently the United States Customs Service (July 31, 1789). However, the historical record appears unclear as to when exactly U.S. Customs actually began employing federal law enforcement officers. First confirmed indications point to the early 19th century. Over the years, the U.S. Customs Service has undergone a number of changes with the investigative units now merged with legacy Immigration & Naturalization to form Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) - Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Out of all three contenders, U.S. Customs (now HSI) is clearly in third place. Even though the U.S. Customs Service was technically established before the position of United States Marshal, it is relatively unclear when they began employing investigators. Relatedly, the accomplishments of the U.S. Marshals are legendary and commendable throughout history, however, there is little to no doubt they were established in 1789. By this time, the Postal "Surveyors" were well on their way to investigating and enforcing mail related federal statutes. The United States Postal Inspection Service was formally established by 1775 and has continuously and uniformly operated under that original charter, in contrast to both the U.S. Customs Service and the U.S. Marshals Service.
The verdict is clear. The United States Postal Inspection Service is the oldest continuous 1811 federal law enforcement agency in the USA.
Give the Special Agents Blog a Like on Facebook!
