Exploring a Federal or State Law Enforcement Agency

Federal and state law enforcement agencies perform different roles in the American criminal justice system. In this assignment, you will research one federal or state law enforcement agency and examine its role in modern policing.

Instructions

Choose one federal or state law enforcement agency to research. Examples include the FBI, DEA, ATF, U.S. Marshals Service, Secret Service, state police, highway patrol agencies, or other state-level law enforcement agencies.

In a 1–2 page, double-spaced paper, address the following:

1. Introduce the agency.
2. Briefly explain:

• When and why the agency was established.
• Where the agency has jurisdiction.
• What its primary mission and responsibilities are.

2. Explain what the agency does.
3. Describe two important functions or activities performed by the agency. Explain how these activities contribute to public safety or the enforcement of laws.
4. Examine a current challenge.
5. Identify one significant challenge facing the agency today. Examples could include changes in technology, emerging crime trends, staffing, funding, public perception, cybersecurity, terrorism, drug trafficking, or other issues relevant to the agency.

Explain:

• Why this challenge is important to the agency.
• What the agency is doing to address it.
• Whether you believe the agency's approach is likely to be effective, and why.

Sources

Use at least three credible sources to support your paper. Sources may include:

• Official government or agency websites
• Government reports or statistics
• Scholarly research
• Credible news organizations
• Other reliable sources approved by your instructor

Use APA citations within your paper and include a reference list.

Important

Your paper should focus on explaining and analyzing the agency, rather than simply listing facts. Be sure to explain why the agency's work and the challenge you selected are important to modern law enforcement.

Length: 1–2 pages, double-spaced, excluding the reference page.