The Role of Police Today

Jenny Elliott

The Role of Police Today

Law enforcement and the role of police officers has evolved and changed since

the first police department was created in Boston in 1838. Today law enforcement is

divided into four categories. Officers within the Federal, State, County, and Local police

agencies have separate roles that, when put together, make up all aspects of law

enforcement as we know it today.

The Federal government has many law enforcement agencies that are designed to

protect the rights and privileges of the United States. These agencies have jurisdiction

within the entire nation. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, or FBI, is headed by the

Attorney General. The FBI enforces all federal laws, represents the United States when it

becomes subject to court acti...