Search begins for new head U.S. Marshal in Chicago

A committee of law enforcement and federal judiciary personnel is beginning to screen applicants to become the next head of the U.S. Marshals Service's Chicago office, Illinois' two U.S. senators announced Tuesday.

The Marshals Service said earlier this month that the previous director, Darryl McPherson, had been reassigned. Citing privacy rules, it gave no explanation for moving the 17-year Marshals Service veteran to a lower-level job.

The Marshals Service is the enforcement arm of U.S. courts. Among its other duties, the agency is responsible for transporting prisoners, catching fugitives and ensuring the security of federal judges.

The applicant screening committee is comprised of five senior officials from the judiciary, lawyers and law enforcement. They will make recommendations to Sens. Dick Durbin and Mark Kirk, who will review and send a list of finalists to the White House. President Barack Obama will then submit a nominee to the U.S. Senate.

Until then, Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Joel Kirch is the acting head of the Chicago office.