Federal and state law enforcement is characterized by the scope of operation and has distinct roles. Below are key differences.

WEEK 7 DISCUSSION

Federal and state law enforcement is characterized by the scope of operation and has distinct roles. Below are key differences.

Federal

• Federal enforcement force operates in the whole nation and employs a variety of law enforcement agents in approach to establish a high level of governmental roles. The main categories of federal law enforcement are the FBI and DEA. FBI category, a national detective agency responsible for crime investments. Other categories include; ATF, IRS, and ECT 1.
• The jurisdiction function is limited and performs a specific type of duty.
• Federal law enforcement stands on its own as agents and not the police.
• The US Marshalls investigate espionage, terrorism, and crime against Federal officers.
• The operational is broad and covers the whole nation on specific duties rather than local or state laws.

State

• Operational duties are limited to states and are guided by elected attorney general and sheriffs.
• State law enforcement is responsible for patronage of areas within a state, unpoliced municipals, and federal routes.
• Special trained officers make specialized enforcement efforts.

Major Organizations in the Department of Justice  

1. FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation)is the national detective agency responsible for crime investigation that ranges from terrorism, cybercrime, espionage to crimes against federal officers. Facts and evidence from witnesses are collected for federal jurisdiction.
2. United States Marshall Service goes for fugitives who move from state to state without adhering to laws governing crossing of borders1. The US Marshals have jurisdiction over the nation and use it arrest fugitives for a decision to be made by the state responsible for getting the punishment by federal laws. The US Marshal is also responsible for protecting judges, attorneys, judicial facilities, jurors, and magistrates.
3. ATF (Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearm and Explosives)is responsible for protecting communities from violent criminals, terrorism, explosion storage, and illegal firearms trafficking.
4. DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) is responsible for regulating drug trafficking within the state’s boundaries and from foreign countries1. Drug associated crimes across states are exposed to substantial penalties and can be jailed miles away from the family states.

References

1. Fremont-Smith. 2009. Governing nonprofit organizations: Federal and state law and regulation. Harvard University Press.

Hello Beverly James, I like your post as most of the law enforcement aspects are well addressed. However, I would like to add that federal and state enforcement agencies’ scope of operation and responsibilities are well differentiated. Federal law enforcement agency has two main categories i.e., the FBI and the DEA. The operation has a limited scope; however, the roles extend in all states of the US nation. FBI is responsible for investigating crimes and espionage1. The US Marshals has excellent help in the FBI to ensure that fugitives are comparted and exposed to jurisdiction action. The DEA is responsible for regulating drug movement within the states across state boundaries and from other countries. State law enforcement agencies are guided by elected attorney generals and sheriffs who control the forces responsible in law enforcement within states and cities.

References

1. Kenneth Peak.2012., “Department of Justice,” Policing America: Challenges and Best Practices. P. 267-282. 9th Edition