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


### Answer
The term **law enforcement officer** is defined in *18 U.S.C. § 245* as follows -

> any officer of the United States, the District of Columbia, a State, or political subdivision of a State, who is empowered by law to conduct investigations of, or make arrests because of, offenses against the United States, the District of Columbia, a State, or a political subdivision of a State

#### Citation:
  - *18 U.S.C. § 245*
  - Heading: **PART I-CRIMES > CHAPTER 13-CIVIL RIGHTS**

