What does the term “peace officer” mean?

The term "peace officer" refers to a public servant who is granted the authority to enforce the law and maintain public order. This definition encompasses a variety of law enforcement roles, including police officers, sheriffs, and other government personnel who have the legal capacity to uphold laws, make arrests, and perform duties aimed at ensuring the safety and security of the public. The responsibilities of a peace officer often extend beyond mere enforcement of the law to include community engagement, conflict resolution, and proactive measures to prevent crime.

In contrast, the other choices do not fully capture the scope of what a peace officer is. A private security employee is typically limited in authority, often lacking arrest powers. An officer responsible only for traffic regulation does not represent the broader duty of a peace officer, who operates across various areas of law enforcement. Lastly, military service does not inherently qualify someone as a peace officer; the designation is specific to law enforcement duties within civilian contexts.