Learning Objectives

  • Differentiate between the definitions of law enforcement and police.
  • Compare the functions of municipal police and county sheriff’s agencies.
  • Discuss the wide range of services provided by state-level law enforcement agencies.
  • Explain the purpose and functions of federal law enforcement agencies and their respective departments within the federal government system.
  • Examine similarities and differences in the types of services provided by private security and police agencies.
  • Compare rural and urban police agencies.
  • Discuss fragmentation of police service and ways to manage it.