Campus Community
Posted: Thursday, October 30, 2008Buffalo State College Chosen for U.S. Marshals Service Co-op Program
Buffalo State College has been selected to participate in the prestigious U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Centralized Student Career Experience Program (CSCEP). This honor makes Buffalo State one of only two colleges in New York State and the only SUNY institution to offer this prized opportunity to its students.
The first students accepted into the program will begin their service in late 2008 or early 2009.
“Buffalo State College is a perfect fit for us,” said Deputy U.S. Marshal Michael Malcolm. “The students are prepared to work with diverse people, the college is close to downtown, and the curriculum is a solid mix of strategic thinking and applied learning.”
The CSCEP is a cooperative education program for students working toward the completion of a four-year degree in specific law-enforcement-related areas. At Buffalo State, this is currently criminal justice, political science, psychology, and sociology. During the 16-week program, students work full time with the USMS in Buffalo (the district office for Western New York) to gain on-the-job training and work experience. They earn a salary and federal benefits. Upon successful completion of CSCEP and degree requirements, students may be hired as deputy U.S. marshals.
To qualify for the program, students must be currently enrolled at Buffalo State College, be at least 20 years old, have U.S. citizenship and a valid driver’s license, maintain a 3.0 grade point average within their major field and 2.75 overall, and be near completion of degree requirements. After applications are submitted to the U.S. Marshals Service, selected students must pass a structured interview, a full field background investigation, medical and psychological examinations, and a fitness test.
The duties performed by deputy U.S. marshals cover a wide range. Deputies are responsible for the majority of fugitive arrest warrants. They locate wanted persons, make positive identifications, and maintain custody after arrest. As safeguards for the federal court system, they provide protection for judges, their staffs, prosecutors, witnesses, and jurors. The USMS is the largest transporter of prisoners in the world. Deputy marshals also seize and manage property forfeited during major drug and criminal cases.
“This program provides our students with a direct path toward a career with the U.S. Marshals Service,” said Lisa August, associate director in the Career Development Center. “We are honored to be selected and excited about offering this opportunity to our students.”
For more information on Buffalo State College’s involvement with the CSCEP, contact August at (716) 878-5811.
