Which of the following is the largest state law enforcement agency?

• A. California Highway Patrol
• B. Florida Department of Law Enforcement
• C. Texas Department of Public Safety
• D. New York State Police

Answer: (C)

The size of a state law enforcement agency is usually measured by how many sworn officers it employs and the scope of its divisions, since that reflects its statewide reach and enforcement capacity. Texas Department of Public Safety is the largest because it functions as a broad umbrella agency with multiple major divisions under one roof—such as the Highway Patrol, the Texas Ranger Division, and various investigative and support units. This combination, serving a very large and populous state, yields the highest overall manpower compared to the other agencies listed. The California Highway Patrol is indeed large, but it is one division within a larger state system; Florida’s agency is smaller in comparison, and New York State Police, while substantial, does not exceed Texas DPS in total sworn personnel.