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as a rule, Deputy Sheriffs operate freely in unincorporated areas, that is, areas not within city or town
limits. Deputy Sheriffs, although they usually patrol alone, provide police services in much the same
manner as municipal police officers. They may perform extensive police services including patrol,
juvenile, vice, and investigative activities, much the same as their counterparts in municipal law
enforcement agencies.
In addition to sheriffs' departments, some states have developed countywide police agencies
organized and administered like municipal departments. For example, although certain municipalities
within a county have their own police units, their operations are coordinated with the countywide police
department, which patrols and protects communities without police of their own. Typically, countywide
police forces perform all major law enforcement functions--patrol, traffic, vice, juvenile, and investiga-
tive activities--carried out by the larger municipal police agencies. Patrol duties are similar to those found
in municipal agencies except they are performed over a wider geographical area and in smaller
communities.
In addition to countywide police and sheriff's departments, there are other local law enforcement
personnel within counties. Designated as constables, marshals, or police officers, these officers enforce
the law in smaller communities such as villages, towns, townships, and boroughs. The continued
existence of police agencies in smaller communities is evidence of the citizens' preference for local
control of police services. Also operating at the county level are special-purpose police units whose
jurisdictions include tunnels, parks, bridges, freeways, and harbors. Although these agencies perform
their policing duties in very limited areas of jurisdiction, they provide essential services to the public.
State Law Enforcement
Law enforcement at the state level is another area that should be considered when planning a career. Some
state law enforcement agencies have general police powers, others have limited authority, and still others
are regulatory in nature.
Two of the best-known state-level enforcement units are the state police and the highway patrol. There
is a definite distinction between these agencies in terms of responsibility and authority. State police
engage in a full range of law enforcement activities including criminal investigation. Highway patrol units
are concerned almost entirely with traffic control and enforcement and have limited general
police authority.
State police duties vary throughout the country. In addition to regular law enforcement responsibili-
ties, state police officers may patrol state parks, guard executive and legislative personnel and properties,
and conduct examinations for motor vehicle licenses. In some states, these officers act as fire, fish, and
game wardens; court officers; and evaluators of applications for pistol permits. Very often, state police
personnel are brought in during emergencies such as civil disorders, natural disasters, or situations in
which a local police agency needs support. The uniformed state police force is assisted in law enforcement
activities by plainclothes investigators. These detectives act on information supplied by patrol personnel
when follow-up and investigation are required to solve criminal cases.
Highway patrol units enforce state motor vehicle codes and other laws relating to the operation of
vehicles on the highways. They perform functions that ensure the safe, lawful, rapid, and efficient use of
highway systems. Highway patrol units also use an investigative staff, usually organized as a separate
agency, that is responsible for such activities as organized crime, narcotics, fraud, and gambling.
A law enforcement career at the state level is not limited to state police or highway patrol. In most
states, various agencies have jurisdiction over other specialized functions that differ from the usual
policing activities. Some examples of these areas of specialization follow.
