[FedCom] US Marshals Service Freqs & Ops

[Arthur-Bryan E. Phelps]

Having been in LE (not the USMS) this is probably the best and most accurate
summary of their current operation. We use to joke that the USMS was more
secret than the USSS. 163.2000 is the primary frequency. Comms. are usually
in the clear. When joint ops. are in progress, they typically use the lead
entities radios. Over the next two years many trunked systems that have not
already added fed talkgroups will be upgrading equipment, etc. and adding
them. 

-----Original Message-----
From: fedcom-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:fedcom-bounces at mailman.qth.net]
On Behalf Of Dave Stewart
Sent: Monday, November 20, 2006 10:52 AM
To: Discussion of Federal Government Communications
Subject: Re: [FedCom] US Marshals Service Freqs & Ops

I believe it depends on the area.  In several areas where agencies have
trunked systems, Marshals are able to lease radios and the use of that
trunked system, especially when there is the ability to have their talkgroup
encrypted.  It just makes sense that you could have one radio for
operations, and that also allows you to switch over and talk to a PD or SO
dispatch.

In OKC, 163.200 (repeated) & 164.600 (simplex) are used primarily by the
Metro Fugitive Task Force (both in analog, no P25).  146.2, 136.5, and CSQ
are all used.  163.200 is used to run checks on plates, ask for someone to
look up an address, or for notifying other agents that something might ramp
up ("hey, I think my guy just showed-up...if you're not busy, let's stage at
that Conoco near his address").
164.600 is used at very low power (2-5 watts) for surveillance and
coordinating between 2-3 units traveling together.

I believe nextel is used most for day-to-day USMS operations, outside the
Metro Fugitive Task Force.

170.75 P25 is used for Court operations.  I also have 162.7875 in my scanner
for Court ops, but I can't remember the last time I saw it used.  Not saying
it isn't used, just that I don't recall seeing it recently.

I've never seen any of these 4 freqs encrypted.

As you may know, the "CONAIR" hub facility (Federal Transfer Facility) is
located on the grounds of the Will Rogers World Airport in OKC.
It's located on the West side of the airport grounds.  A fairly low-power
400MHz trunked system is in use there. This facility is operated by the
Federal Bureau of Prisons.  You can find more info about the system in
RadioReference at -->
http://www.radioreference.com/modules.php?name=RR&sid=3519, and about the
facility at the Bureau of Prison's Web site at -->
http://www.bop.gov/locations/institutions/okl/index.jsp.  I've never heard
anything outside normal "prison talk" (BORING!!) although I've never
listened when an aircraft is arriving or leaving.

Dave

On 11/19/06, Jeff Kenyon <at649 at tcnet.org> wrote:
> Are the marshalls still using 163.200?  I'll have to check this page out.
> I had heard that 163.200 is one freq in use, and some UHF stuff.
>
>
>
>
>
> On Sun, 19 Nov 2006, Ken wrote:
>
> > Another interesting agency is the US Marshals Service.
> > For locations of these activities click on the appropriate state map at:
> > http://www.usmarshals.gov/district/index.html
> >
> > Additionally, if you go to the "state page" for each district in 
> > most instances there's a list of "Local Law Enforcement Task Forces" 
> > that USMS participate in, which varies from state to state.
> >
> > Grove's "Federal Frequency Directory", 2nd edition with search term 
> > "Marshals" gets 26 potential listings.  UHF wise 10 simplex & 3 
> > repeater pairs are listed.  Additional 13 VHF highband freqs are listed.
> >
> > Tom Kneitel's "The 'Top Secret' Registry of U.S. Government Radio 
> > Frequencies" 8th edition (1993), lists VHF highband consisting of 
> > the
> > following:
> > Marshal's Services
> > * 3 Repeater pairs, categorized as "City Repeaters", "Administrative 
> > & Operational Repeaters", "Border Area Repeaters"
> > *3 Simplex Frequencies
> > Court House Operations:
> > *1 frequency pair "Operational Repeates"
> > *2 simplex frequencies
> >
> > USMS may also use regional law enforcement coordination net 
> > frequencies (either through loaned portable equipment or when feasible
programmed freqs
> > in their mobile units).   A recent short lived series on "The Discovery
> > Channel" showed USMS as primarily using cellphones & what appeared 
> > to be nextel nationwide w/t's to coordinate initial investigative 
> > functions & response & than switch to USMS radio systems when at "on 
> > scene" surveillance & tactical apprehension activities.
> >
> > Perhaps low powered simplex ops overall makes this federal activity 
> > difficult to monitor.
> >
> > Ken
> >
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
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> >
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--
Dave Stewart
dave.stew at gmail.com
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