Marshal's History & Wiki

Last updated July 22, 2026

Formation

The Los Angeles County Marshal's Department (LACMD) was established in 1850, the same year California became the 31st state in the Union. The department's primary responsibilities included providing court security, serving civil process, transporting prisoners and inmates, enforcing warrants, and protecting the judiciary throughout Los Angeles County.

Fate

The fate of the Los Angeles County Marshal's Department was set in the late 1980s when the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors began evaluating ways to improve efficiency across county government. After several years of studies, planning, and legislative action, the department was officially merged into the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department on January 1, 1994.

Following the merger, Deputy Marshals were given the opportunity to become Deputy Sheriffs. The consolidation represented one of the largest law enforcement mergers in California history.

Agency Leaders

Unlike the Los Angeles County Sheriffs, who are elected by the public, County Marshals were appointed to their position.

List of Known County Marshals

Frank A. Anderson | 1959–1968
William A. "Bill" Nicolls | 1968–1974
James A. Gates | 1974–1992
John D. Hunter | 1992–1994 | Last County Marshal before the merger

Rank Structure

Executive Command

County Marshal
Assistant Marshal

Command Staff

Chief Deputy Marshal
Division Commander
Captain

Intermediate Command Staff

Lieutenant
Sergeant

Sworn Personnel

Deputy Marshal II
Deputy Marshal I