Acting Director
United States Marshals Service

Acting Director David L. Harlow leads the nation’s oldest and most versatile federal law enforcement agency. The United States Marshals Service (USMS) occupies a uniquely central position in the federal justice system, and as the enforcement arm of the federal courts, is involved in virtually every federal law enforcement initiative. With oversight of nearly 3,800 Deputy U.S. Marshals and over 1,400 administrative staff, the USMS is responsible for federal judicial security, fugitive apprehension, witness security, asset forfeiture, and prisoner operations. 

Prior to heading the Agency, Acting Director Harlow served as second-in-command in the role of Deputy Director to ensure accountability and excellence in implementing successful organizational change. From 2012 to 2014, Acting Director Harlow was the Associate Director for Operations, managing the USMS Operational Directorate, which includes Investigative Operations, Judicial Security, Witness Security, Tactical Operations, Prisoner Operations, and the Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation System.

In May 2012, Acting Director Harlow was promoted to the Senior Executive Service when he was selected as the Assistant Director of the Investigative Operations Division (IOD), overseeing the Agency’s extensive fugitive investigations mission. Prior to assuming the position, he was the Acting Deputy Assistant Director of IOD for approximately one year.

Acting Director Harlow served as Chief of the Sex Offender Investigations Branch from 2008 to 2011, overseeing the development and deployment of the USMS Sex Offender Apprehension Program. He also oversaw the interagency National Sex Offender Targeting Center and developed the USMS Behavioral Analysis Unit to assist with prioritizing and targeting non-compliant and fugitive sex offenders.

Before arriving at USMS Headquarters, Acting Director Harlow was the Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal (CDUSM) for the Eastern District of Virginia from 2007 to 2008. Prior to that, he was CDUSM for the Northern District of Ohio, where he served from the time he joined the USMS as a Deputy U.S. Marshal in 1983 until 2007. He made numerous contributions to Northern Ohio, including serving as Commander of Operation FALCON 2007, serving as Deputy Commander of Operation FALCON III, developing Toledo’s first cooperative fugitive apprehension team consisting of multiple law enforcement agencies, and overseeing the development of the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force.

Throughout his nearly 35-year Marshals Service career, Acting Director Harlow has received numerous accolades, including Attorney General Awards, Director Awards, and several special act and performance awards. He is also a member of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association.

Acting Director Harlow holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law Enforcement Administration from Western Illinois University. He and his wife, Lisa, have two sons, Sean and Brian.