Explore statewide law enforcement, highways, traffic safety, and patrol units.
State police and highway patrol agencies operate at the state level. Their missions differ by state, but highway safety, crash response, traffic enforcement, criminal investigations, and assistance to local agencies are common responsibilities.
State agencies generally have authority across a much larger area than local police.
Learn MoreTraffic safety is a major mission for many state agencies.
Learn MoreSome state police agencies have detectives and specialized investigative divisions.
Learn MoreState agencies can provide resources that smaller departments may not have.
Learn MoreUniformed officers in many state agencies are called troopers.
Learn MoreHighway patrol fleets often use fast, durable sedans and SUVs designed for long road patrols.
Learn MoreState-level officers may work on highways, in rural communities, or alongside local agencies. Some states use the title state police, others use highway patrol, and some have multiple state law enforcement organizations.
Troopers often respond to highway crashes, enforce traffic laws, assist stranded motorists, and investigate serious collisions. Patrol routes can cover long stretches of interstate and rural highway.
State investigators may assist local departments with major crimes, organized criminal activity, missing persons, forensic services, or other cases defined by state law.
Examples can include aviation, crime laboratories, specialized investigators, large-scale communications, training, and emergency response assistance.
Troopers commonly receive academy training focused on state law, traffic enforcement, crash investigation, emergency response, and patrol. Duties differ by agency and assignment.
Vehicles commonly include marked patrol sedans and SUVs with emergency lights, radios, computers, and safety equipment. Some agencies also use motorcycles, aircraft, trucks, and specialized crash-investigation vehicles.