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Most states operate and maintain crime laboratory facilities and clearinghouses of crime information.
State crime laboratories provide services to cities and counties that lack facilities of their own. Laboratory
personnel examine evidence and crime scenes, identify and compare evidence, and testify in court
proceedings for the prosecution. State information clearinghouses keep centralized criminal information
and fingerprint files, gather and analyze crime data, and on request, provide such information to law
enforcement agencies at all levels of government. In some cases, these information units are operated by
the state police; in others, they are separate agencies.
Each state, to some degree, has investigation bureaus or departments that conduct civil and criminal
investigations for various state agencies, departments, commissions, and in some cases, local police
agencies requesting assistance. Some of these specialized investigative units often cooperate with and
conduct joint operations with local and federal law enforcement units on matters of mutual concern.
The protection and conservation of natural resources, a responsibility shared by all states, has moved
most states to employ law enforcement officers in parks and recreational areas, historical landmarks, and
hiking and camping areas. State foresters are assigned to protect woodlands from fire, disease, and misuse.
State fish and game wardens enforce the fish and game laws, license fishermen and hunters, and do
whatever is necessary to protect wildlife.
Enforcement of public health and safety codes is another state employment area. State fire marshals,
for example, have varied responsibilities that may include enforcing statewide fire and safety regulations,
developing fire-prevention programs, and establishing licensing standards. Their efforts are closely
coordinated with those of local fire officials in carrying out their enforcement responsibilities. State
public health officials investigate and enforce state codes pertaining to pollution and public sanitation,
communicable diseases, licensing of health facilities, and food and drug standards. They work closely
with health officers from local and federal agencies in enforcing these laws.
In addition to the examples of state law enforcement jobs just mentioned, there are many others. A look
at the organizational structure of any state reveals a considerable number of departments, bureaus,
divisions, and agencies using investigative or law enforcement personnel to some extent. Among these
state agencies are agriculture (including dairy and livestock), markets (dealing with produce, weights, and
measures), liquor and racing authorities, insurance, commerce, finance, mental hygiene, labor, housing
and industrial safety, investments, civil service commissions, and vocational standards agencies for
licensing professionals. It is apparent that law enforcement career opportunities at the state level of
government need not be limited to the traditional uniformed services.
Federal Law Enforcement
The federal government offers varied opportunities to persons considering a career in law enforcement.
While the goals of federal agencies differ and their authorities cover broad geographic areas, the scope
of most agencies is specific and limited. Some have enforcement duties that deal with criminal or
regulatory matters; some deal with security or military affairs. Many federal law enforcement positions
require extensive travel, and most entail relocation at some time during the officer's career. Federal law
enforcement positions offer glamour overlaid with hard work, long hours, and in many cases, personal
danger. A clearer picture of law enforcement activities at the federal level is possible if the functions of
some of the major federal agencies are examined. Specific positions within some of the following
agencies will be described in the next chapter.
BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, AND FIREARMS
The Department of the Treasury established the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (BATF) to
enforce laws relating to alcohol, tobacco, firearms, and explosives. The objective of BATF is to enjoin
