### Question
How is the term law enforcement officer defined?


### Answer
The term **law enforcement officer** is defined in *18 U.S.C. § 232* as the following:

> any officer or employee of the United States, any State, any political subdivision of a State, or the District of Columbia, while engaged in the enforcement or prosecution of any of the criminal laws of the United States, a State, any political subdivision of a State, or the District of Columbia

#### Citation:
  - *18 U.S.C. § 232*
  - Heading: **PART I-CRIMES > CHAPTER 12-CIVIL DISORDERS**

