Who is considered a law enforcement officer?

A law enforcement officer is defined as a public servant who has been granted the authority to enforce the law. This role typically includes sworn officers such as police officers and sheriff’s deputies, who operate under local, state, or federal jurisdiction. They have gone through specific training, adhere to laws and regulations, and hold certain powers, such as making arrests and conducting investigations.

The other options do not fit this definition. Private citizens enforcing rules may act in good faith, but they lack official authority and training specific to law enforcement duties. Security personnel in private establishments serve a different function, usually focusing on maintaining order and safety within the premises they oversee, but they do not have the full scope of authority that law enforcement officers possess. Community volunteers may assist law enforcement in various capacities, but they do not have the legal authority to enforce laws in the same way that sworn officers do. Thus, the definition aligns with the formal role and responsibilities of public servants specifically designated as law enforcement officers.