When most people think of law enforcement, they picture local police departments or federal agencies like the FBI. But across the United States, there are highly specialized police forces dedicated to protecting infrastructure, securing national treasures and enforcing laws in unique environments. From safeguarding the nation’s money supply to securing nuclear facilities and even policing space research centers, these agencies play a vital yet often overlooked role in public safety and national security.
In this article, we take a closer look at some of the most unique and specialized law enforcement agencies in the country. Whether they’re patrolling America’s forests, enforcing transportation laws or protecting sensitive government sites, these officers serve a mission that goes far beyond traditional policing. Here’s a deep dive into the agencies that keep America running safely, often behind the scenes:
1. United States Postal Inspection Service
The United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) is the federal law enforcement and security arm of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), making it one of the oldest law enforcement agencies in the country, with roots dating back to 1772. Originally established to protect postal operations during the Revolutionary War and Civil War, USPIS has evolved into a modern investigative agency with advanced forensic capabilities, cybercrime expertise and nationwide jurisdiction.
USPIS plays a critical role in safeguarding the integrity of the U.S. mail system, protecting it from fraud, theft and security threats. The agency investigates a wide range of postal-related crimes, including mail fraud, identity theft, cyber fraud, narcotics trafficking and financial crimes. With a nationwide presence, Postal Inspectors work closely with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, ensuring criminals who exploit the mail system are brought to justice.
As mail-based crimes become increasingly sophisticated, USPIS has adapted by employing forensic tools, digital surveillance and cybercrime detection methods. The agency’s enforcement efforts help protect American businesses, consumers and government agencies from scams, financial losses and security breaches.
2. Bureau of Reclamation Security Response Force
The Bureau of Reclamation’s Security Response Force (SRF) is an elite, armed tactical unit within the U.S. Department of the Interior, responsible for protecting critical water and power infrastructure across the nation. This specialized force ensures the uninterrupted operation of dams, reservoirs and hydroelectric power plants, securing key sites such as the Hoover Dam, Grand Coulee Dam and Glen Canyon Dam. As part of their mission, SRF officers defend against potential threats, including terrorism, sabotage and unauthorized intrusions, maintaining the safety of these vital resources.
SRF officers are highly trained federal law enforcement personnel, equipped to respond to a wide range of security threats. They are strategically deployed at National Critical Infrastructure sites, where they conduct armed patrols, threat assessments and emergency response operations. Their duties include access control, counter-surveillance and rapid incident response, ensuring that America’s water and energy supply remains protected from disruption.
All SRF officers undergo intensive training at the Security Response Force Training Center (SRFTC) Basic Training Program. This academy meets Federal Law Enforcement Training Accreditation (FLETA) standards and follows a rigorous curriculum modeled after the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC). Officers receive advanced instruction in firearms tactics, defensive strategies, crisis response and infrastructure security.
3. United States Coast Guard Police Department
The U.S. Coast Guard Police Department serves as the primary security force for Coast Guard installations, ensuring the protection of personnel, assets and sensitive areas. While the Coast Guard is best known for its maritime law enforcement and military functions, its police units focus on shore-based security, access control and emergency response. These officers, who may be military personnel or contracted civilian law enforcement, perform duties similar to military police in other branches.
Their mission includes enforcing maritime laws, protecting Coast Guard infrastructure and responding to emergencies. Officers patrol installations, monitor security systems, conduct investigations, and coordinate with federal and local law enforcement agencies. They play a vital role in deterring threats, preventing unauthorized access and maintaining operational security.
What sets Coast Guard police apart is their dual training in law enforcement and military operations, making them highly adaptable to both domestic security and national defense scenarios. While they focus on base security and law enforcement duties, they may also support specialized Coast Guard units such as Maritime Safety and Security Teams (MSSTs) and Deployable Specialized Forces (DSF) in broader security operations. Their responsibilities ensure Coast Guard facilities remain safe and mission-ready.
4. United States Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations
The U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations (USFS LEI) division serves as the federal law enforcement branch of the U.S. Forest Service, a part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Tasked with protecting 193 million acres of National Forests and Grasslands, these officers ensure public safety while safeguarding natural resources, wildlife and recreational areas. Their duties range from patrolling remote wilderness areas to enforcing federal environmental laws and regulations.
USFS law enforcement officers have a broad jurisdiction, focusing on preventing and investigating crimes such as illegal logging, poaching, arson, drug production (such as illegal marijuana grows) and other environmental violations. They also protect campgrounds, hiking trails, and forest infrastructure by enforcing laws that regulate public land use and conservation. Their mission extends to ensuring that visitors, employees and communities near forested lands remain safe from illegal activities and environmental damage.
Operating in some of the most rugged and remote areas of the country, USFS officers receive specialized training to handle unique challenges such as wildlife encounters, backcountry navigation and emergency survival. They frequently work with local, state and federal agencies, including the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to combat illegal activities and protect America’s vast public lands for future generations.
5. NASA Protective Services Division
The NASA Protective Services Division is responsible for safeguarding NASA’s research centers, spaceflight facilities and high-security installations. While NASA is known for space exploration, the agency maintains tactical response teams, often referred to as Emergency Response Teams (ERTs) or Tactical Response Teams (TRTs), which function similarly to SWAT units. These specialized security forces protect NASA personnel, advanced technology and classified research from potential threats.
These tactical teams are trained to handle high-risk incidents, including active shooter situations, terrorist threats and espionage concerns. They provide rapid-response capabilities to secure critical sites such as Kennedy Space Center, Johnson Space Center and other major NASA facilities. These units work alongside NASA’s law enforcement officers and private security contractors, frequently collaborating with federal agencies like the FBI, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Defense (DoD) when heightened security measures are required.
6. New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission Enforcement Division
The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) Enforcement Division is a specialized regulatory unit responsible for enforcing NYC’s transportation laws and regulations governing taxis, limousines, and for-hire vehicles (FHV) such as Uber and Lyft. These officers ensure that drivers, vehicle operators, and businesses comply with city regulations to maintain passenger safety, accessibility and service quality.
TLC Enforcement Officers conduct compliance checks, issue citations, seize illegal vehicles, and investigate complaints about unlicensed operators, overcharging and unsafe driving practices. While they have law enforcement authority within their jurisdiction, TLC officers are not sworn NYPD police officers but peace officers with specialized enforcement powers. Their work plays a crucial role in keeping New York City’s transportation network safe, regulated and efficient.
7. Department of Energy (DOE) Security Police Officers
These officers, formally known as Security Police Officers (SPOs), operate under strict federal security protocols to safeguard nuclear weapons, radioactive materials and classified energy research at DOE sites. SPOs are tasked with physical security, access control, and rapid emergency response at facilities such as national laboratories, nuclear production complexes and energy research centers. Their responsibilities extend beyond facility security to include nuclear threat mitigation, counterterrorism efforts, and coordination with federal law enforcement agencies such as the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), DoD, FBI and DHS.
SPOs undergo rigorous training in firearms, defensive tactics, radiation safety and emergency response protocols. Many are employed by private security contractors operating under strict DOE oversight, ensuring they meet federal law enforcement and nuclear security standards.
8. United States Mint Police
The U.S. Mint Police is a federal law enforcement agency under the Department of the Treasury, responsible for protecting U.S. Mint facilities, employees, and billions of dollars in gold, silver and coinage. Established in 1792, it is one of the oldest federal law enforcement agencies in the United States and plays a crucial role in securing the nation’s currency production and bullion reserves.
Mint Police officers are tasked with facility security, access control, and crime prevention at locations including Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco, West Point and the Fort Knox Bullion Depository. Their duties include preventing theft, robbery and fraud related to U.S. Mint operations. While they do not handle counterfeiting investigations (which fall under the U.S. Secret Service), they work closely with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to safeguard Mint assets. Officers undergo training in physical security, emergency response and high-value asset protection, ensuring the security of precious metals and coin production.
9. Bureau of Engraving and Printing Police
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) Police is a federal law enforcement agency under the Department of the Treasury, tasked with protecting U.S. currency production facilities, employees and assets. As the security force for the BEP, which prints Federal Reserve notes (U.S. paper currency), these officers ensure the integrity and safety of billions of dollars in printed money before it enters circulation.
BEP Police officers provide security at BEP facilities in Washington, D.C., and Fort Worth, Texas, where all U.S. paper currency is produced. Their duties include access control, surveillance, emergency response and crime prevention within these high-security federal printing operations. While the U.S. Secret Service is responsible for investigating counterfeiting, BEP Police focus on preventing theft, espionage, and unauthorized access to secure materials and printing technology.
Due to the highly sensitive nature of their work, BEP Police officers undergo specialized training in high-security asset protection, emergency response and surveillance operations. They often work in coordination with other federal law enforcement agencies, including the Secret Service, FBI and DHS, to uphold the security of U.S. currency production and protect national financial assets.
10. Amtrak Police Department
The Amtrak Police Department (APD) is a federal law enforcement agency responsible for protecting Amtrak passengers, employees, infrastructure and assets across the national passenger rail system. Established in 1971, APD officers have full police authority and jurisdiction in Amtrak-operated areas, enforcing federal, state and local laws to ensure public safety on the rail network.
APD officers are sworn law enforcement personnel with the power to arrest, investigate crimes, and conduct security operations in and around Amtrak stations, rail yards and onboard trains. Their mission includes counterterrorism efforts, crime prevention and emergency response, often working alongside agencies like the FBI, TSA, DHS and local police departments to protect Amtrak’s infrastructure from potential threats.
APD officers receive specialized training in transportation security, counterterrorism and crisis management. The department also utilizes K-9 units, intelligence analysts and surveillance technology to enhance security. As one of the few railroad police agencies with nationwide jurisdiction, APD plays a critical role in ensuring the safety of millions of rail passengers each year.
BEFORE YOU GO: Did you know there are even more little-known but fascinating law enforcement agencies operating across the U.S.? From transit police to highly specialized federal units, check out this list of 7 more unique police forces you’ve probably never heard of:
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