<P> Most law enforcement is conducted by some type of law enforcement agency, with the most typical agency fulfilling this role being the police . Societal investment in enforcement through such organizations can be massive, both in terms of the resources invested in the activity, and in the number of people professionally engaged to perform those functions . </P> <P> Law enforcement agencies tend to be limited to operating within a specified jurisdiction . In some cases, jurisdiction may overlap inbetween organizations; for example, in the United States, each state has its own statewide law enforcement arms, but the Federal Bureau of Investigation is able to act against certain types of crimes occurring in any state . Various specialized segments of society may have their own internal law enforcement arrangements . For example, military organizations may have military police . </P>

How does law enforcement contribute to a democratic society