Law Enforcement
Law enforcement officers in the United States have a variety of job titles. They may be called police officers, detectives, special agents, fish and game wardens, criminal investigators, sheriffs or state troopers. They work for law enforcement agencies operating at the local, state or federal level. One thing they all have in common is the responsibility to protect citizens and their property, apprehend suspects and enforce the law.
Duties
Duties vary by agency, the size of the department, assignment and experience. Uniformed officers, whether they work for a police department, state wildlife division, county sheriff’s department or highway patrol, typically cruise an assigned area. While on patrol, officers look for suspicious or illegal activity, respond to calls for assistance and provide first aid to injured people, if needed. Special agents, detectives and criminal investigators are normally not in uniform. Depending on assignment, they may secure and investigate a crime scene, interview witnesses, interrogate suspects or conduct research to compile evidence. Sheriffs and their deputies may serve subpoenas or eviction notices in some jurisdictions or provide security for the county courthouse. All law enforcement officers must record evidence or statements, prepare reports and testify in court.
