U.S. Marshals hone skills for capturing fugitives during training



WEST ALLIS -- Over the last year, there has been a spike in U.S. Marshals injured or killed while on the job. It's a chilling reminder that in order to stay safe, law enforcement needs to keep one step ahead of fugitives who are growing more violent.

Dozens of U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force members recently honed their skills during training that was meant to replicate real-world missions they may come across. The training took place at West Allis homes slated for demolition. "The more times we can get repetitions in a training environment, is that much better for us," one U.S. Marshal said.

Trained K9's can search in smaller spaces, so Marshals plan to feature the four-legged law enforcement officers more in operations. Their bite and bark can be just as imposing as a firearm.

The Marshals search for fugitives by process of elimination. If they fail to find a fugitive in one room, the space is cleared and law enforcement moves on, until there are no more spaces for fugitives to hide.

This training helps law enforcement to stay safe in the face of danger.

The homes used in this training were purchased by the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) and will be torn down as part of a flood-plane initiative. U.S. Marshals try to conduct this type of training about four times a year.