Some states have reduced the role of state-level law enforcement even beyond the natural narrowing of duties that goes along with an expansion of the jurisdiction area. New Hampshire, for example, has an active state police force, but also maintains a highway patrol agency that deals exclusively with the enforcement of the interstate commercial vehicle laws. Known affectionately in New Hampshire as “truck troopers,” motor vehicle enforcement officers, or Highway Patrol and Enforcement Officers, handle more than just trucks. They are also responsible for enforcing licensing laws on motorists that have had their driving privileges suspended or revoked. In such cases, license plates are often ordered to be seized as well as the license, and motor vehicle inspectors are sent to retrieve these items. New Hampshire, unlike other states where driving is considered a right, maintains that driving is a privilege that is subject to removal at the discretion of the state courts, and retained at the mercy of the director of motor vehicles.

In Massachusetts, there are also two separate and distinct statewide enforcement agencies: the Massachusetts State Police and the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. Texas maintains both state troopers and rangers, with each organization having a specific set of laws that it enforces regularly. The State Troopers are the patrol element that deals primarily with highway safety, while the Texas Rangers focus more on criminal investigations and apprehension of fugitives. Despite the existence of a situation that might seem to encourage rivalry or competition between enforcement agencies, multiple agencies within a jurisdiction usually work in harmony to accomplish the missions of both agencies. Although all police agencies vie for public attention when it comes to funding and support, competition among agencies when dealing with the enemy (criminal offenders) is considered taboo.

Aside from states that offer several conventional police agencies, there is a list of other law enforcement organizations that routinely fall under the mantle of state government. Each agency is in charge of enforcing a portion of the laws of that state, each is funded primarily by revenues that are generated statewide, and each maintains standards that are consistent with the mission requirements and compliant with provisions of state and federal law.