LAW ENFORCEMENT
law enforcement. 1. The detection and punishment of violations of the law. • This term is not limited to the enforcement of criminal laws. For example, the Freedom of Information Act contains an exemption from disclosure for information compiled for law-enforcement purposes and furnished in confidence. That exemption is valid for the enforcement of a variety of noncriminal laws (such as national-security laws) as well as criminal laws. 5 USCA § 552(b)(7). 2.CRIMINAL JUSTICE(2).3. Police officers and other members of the executive branch of government charged with carrying out and enforcing the criminal law.
[Blacks Law 8th]