Law Enforcement and Police Roles

Vocabulary flashcards covering the different types, levels, and definitions of police and law enforcement officers based on the lecture notes.

Police (Etymology)

Derived from the Greek words polis and politeuein, meaning citizen who participates in the affairs of a city or state.

LEO (Law Enforcement Officer)

A specially designated citizen focusing on enforcing the laws through detection and apprehension.

State Police

A level of policing empowered to serve anywhere in the state, responsible for highway traffic enforcement (highway patrol) and multijurisdictional investigations (state police investigation departments).

Local Police

Law enforcement agencies serving cities, towns, and political subdivisions.

Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs

Law enforcement officials where the sheriff is one of the only elected law enforcement officials, tasked with maintaining courthouse safety and maintaining the jail.

Federal Law Enforcement

Agencies including the Marshals, Secret Service, FBI, DEA, ATF, and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that prevent terrorism, enhance security, and secure the nation's land, air, and sea borders.

Special Jurisdiction Police

Police operating in specific entities such as colleges, universities, and public or private schools, who can be sworn or non-sworn.

Auxiliary, Reserve, and Special Police

Part-time paid or volunteer officers who assist regular officers, including specialized units for bomb/explosive, fugitives/warrants, SWAT, and terrorism.

Conservation Police Officers and Game Wardens

Officers who have full police authority and possess statewide or federal jurisdiction.

Tribal Police Officers

Officers serving tribal areas where the majority are general-purpose agencies and some specialize in enforcing natural resource laws.