That's the number of wanted men and women, each with an average of four felony convictions to their name, the U.S. Marshals Service tracked down and arrested in 2012. Of that figure, 3,962 were charged with murder, most are violent career criminals, all were on the run from authorities. If you are a fugitive in America, your worst nightmare is a deputy U.S. marshal on your trail: each year the Marshals Service takes more criminals off the street than every other federal law enforcement agency—combined.

From Mike Earp, the former associate director of operations, and New York Times bestselling author David Fisher, this is the thrilling inside story of today's U.S. marshals, told in their own words. Based on interviews with more than fifty current and former deputies, as well as Earp's personal case notes, here are their greatest cases, hairiest arrests, and most unforgettable moments, all revealed for the first time.