Like most people, you must know that 911 is for requesting emergency assistance, the FBI is the domestic intelligence and security service, and the DEA deals with drug-related crimes. But do you know about other law enforcement agencies in the country? Do you know about their services or the training involved? Understanding these will make you a responsible citizen and make you feel safer. This article discusses the different law enforcement types and much more.

Law enforcement agencies
The law enforcement agencies in the country are divided based on the type of law enforcement they provide. For example, are they involved in patrolling, legal procedures, corrects, etc., or whether they are under state or federal control?

Federal law enforcement agencies
The federal law enforcement agencies are 65 in number, the most important of which are U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. About 15,000 individuals undergo law enforcement training and are full-time workers in each of these agencies.

State and local law enforcement agencies
There are more than 17,000 state and local law enforcement agencies. That includes local police at municipal, county, tribal, and regional levels with a large staff and the highway police with their investigations and emergency response units. There are also sheriffs and special jurisdiction police for defined entities and areas like hospitals, subways, schools, and so on. The size of these agencies can vary from 30,000 employees to just one individual.

Law enforcement jobs and training
Almost every citizen of the country is eligible for a job in law enforcement. Of course, you must be healthy and at least 21 years of age. Each agency will have its rules and criteria that applicants must fulfil. For example, the Federal Bureau of Prisons requires a bachelor’s degree or 1 to 3 years of full-time field experience in counseling for an entry-level correctional officer. However, even if you meet the mandated criteria for a position, it is essential also to remember that most agencies have a rigorous testing process which includes a polygraph test, written exams, and stress interviews.
On passing the tests, you enter the training phase. Each agency has its law enforcement training program. These can last 10 to 36 weeks, like with the Police Academy, or several months of intense physical and psychological training like that of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

How to avail of law enforcement services?
One of the most basic ways to report criminal activity is by calling the emergency SOS number 911. you can report almost all types of crimes and illegal activities through this line. If you suspect a crime or want to submit a tip regarding cyber crime, corruption, human trafficking, white-collar crimes, violent crimes, or threats, you can contact your local FBI office.
Trafficking refers to fraud, force, or coercion to get labor or commercial favors where adults or children are possible victims. The Department of Homeland Security specializes in detecting and combating this type of crime.
With regard to sexual crimes, assault, groping, or rape, you can use the National Sexual Assault Hotline anytime. 911 is the best option to call if anyone is in immediate danger. The Sexual Assault hotline offers emergency help and can connect you anonymously with a counselor from the nearest treatment center.
Another way law enforcement agencies can help you is through protective orders. These typically come from state courts. Court orders are the means by which a court issues decisions or judgments of judicial officers. These can summon witnesses to court, suspects to show up for hearings, or can even be protective orders to prevent an abuser from threatening or harming the one who sought a protective order.

Civilian law enforcement
If you are a good Samaritan and wish to give back to society, you can contribute by working as civilian personnel in law enforcement agencies. These are not sworn positions and vary in the amount of training or education required.
At the most basic level, anyone over 21 years can volunteer their services in almost all law enforcement agencies. There are more high-profile jobs like civilian investigators who look into a wide range of incidents, including traffic accidents, financial crimes, and crimes against persons. Correctional facilities also have civilian staff to handle in-take, monitoring, meals, and transportation-related jobs. Dispatchers are also civilian staff who play a pivotal role in law enforcement and crime prevention in the country. Forensic technicians, IT specialists, and intelligence analysts are other roles that do not require being sworn in but require polygraph tests and in some states, certifications as well. Community outreach is an integral part of civilian law enforcement that focuses on crime prevention, volunteering, and emergency management skills. Other positions include advocates, parking enforcement personnel, researchers, evidence management, file management, and public information officers.