What is the definition of a law enforcement officer?

The definition of a law enforcement officer encompasses a broader scope of responsibilities and duties, and option B captures this essence effectively. A law enforcement officer is indeed a person vested by law with the duty to maintain public order, which includes not only enforcing laws but also ensuring the safety and security of the community. This role is typically filled by sworn police officers, sheriffs, and other officials who have been granted specific legal authority to perform their duties.

While conducting investigations is a component of law enforcement, it doesn't encapsulate the full definition of a law enforcement officer, which also includes maintaining order, responding to emergencies, and preventing crime. Similarly, conducting traffic stops and issuing citations is a subset of law enforcement activities, but it does not fully represent the officer's broader responsibilities in maintaining public safety. Private security personnel, on the other hand, do not hold the same legal authority granted to sworn law enforcement officers and are not considered law enforcement officers in the same context as public police forces.