Police Types Officers People Laws Government Duties Legal

The types of police officers are different depending on the "jurisdiction" (the area where a government or agency has power), "as do" (and so do) their "duties" (responsibilities; the things people are expected to do in their job). Most people are familiar with "uniformed" (wearing standard clothing) "patrol officers" who interact with the public in a certain area, "investigating" (researching) crimes, responding to calls, and monitoring and controlling traffic. But many other types of police officers are working hard "behind the scenes" (in unseen ways).

A "sheriff" or "deputy" is the lead police officer in a department, especially in a "rural" (in the countryside; not in a city) area. Sheriffs and deputies perform many of the same duties as uniformed patrol officers, but they may also have duties in the "court" (where legal decisions are made) and they may "carry out" (implement) "search orders" (official, legal permission to search a home or other building).

A "detective" is a "plainclothes" (not wearing a uniform) police officer who is responsible for investigating crimes. "Cases" (specific crimes) are assigned to them and they work with other experts to interview "witnesses" (people who have seen a crime), interrogate suspects, and collect "evidence" (items that help to prove something did or did not happen).

Finally, a "fish and game warden" is a type of police officer who works in wilderness areas to make sure that laws are followed. They focus on the "enforcement" (making sure that laws are followed) of laws that protect plants, animals, and natural areas. For example, they might "detain" (hold; arrest) people who fish or "hunt" (kill animals) illegally.