Different Types of Law Enforcement
- The border patrol agent works under the Department of Homeland Security. The border patrol agent's responsibilities include enforcing immigration laws and/or monitoring the United States borders for illegal immigrants. A border patrol agent could spend hours a day roaming rough terrain in hot weather, using hi-tech equipment to see if people are trying to illegally enter the United States. A border patrol agent may also be stationed at United States entry points, searching vehicles for illegal contraband or illegal transport of aliens.
- A Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employee is responsible for ensuring safe travel to and from the country. A TSA officer will screen luggage and people for contraband or weapons before they board aircraft, trains or other federal public transportation. A TSA officer will use X-ray machines, hand wands and personal pat-down techniques to accomplish the screenings. Other job roles within TSA include the general inspector, undercover security tester and compliance manager.
- An air marshal is an undercover law enforcement officer that protects people on aircraft flights. He will ride on airliners posing as a non-discreet passenger. If a passenger becomes belligerent or turns out to be a terrorist, an air marshal is trained to respond to such threats. Wesley Snipes starred as an air marshal in the movie "Passenger 57."
- A polygraph examiner is used by several law enforcement-related departments to aid in gathering evidence in a case. A polygraph examiner is responsible for conducting lie detector tests and interpreting the results once completed. The Central Intelligence Agency and Federal Bureau of Investigations sometimes uses a polygraph examiner in high-profile cases.
- A correctional officer serves and protects citizens by keeping watch over inmates. A correctional officer usually works long hours or shifts. He does anything from patroling the prison yards as a deterrent against inmate violence, escort prisoner transportation, or respond to special situations like riots or fires.
- A personnel security specialist is often employed by large, military-related agencies that work with classified materials. A personnel security specialist is responsible for assisting in the processing of background checks on individuals that require access to those materials. A personnel security specialist maintains the government regulations as to who can and cannot have access. He also enforces regulations as to how classified materials are accessed, transported and destroyed.