To which branch of government does law enforcement belong?

Law enforcement operates under the executive branch of government. This branch is responsible for enforcing laws, maintaining order, and ensuring public safety. Law enforcement agencies, such as police departments and sheriff's offices, serve as the operational arms of the executive branch at both state and local levels.

The executive branch is headed by the President at the federal level and by governors at the state level. These leaders oversee law enforcement agencies, which execute laws and respond to crimes, making them an integral part of the executive's role in enforcing the law.

In contrast, the judicial branch interprets laws and administers justice, while the legislative branch focuses on creating laws. The reference to a "federal" branch is somewhat misleading since the structure of government comprises federal, state, and local levels, but it doesn’t denote a distinct branch like the executive, judicial, and legislative. Thus, the correct affiliation of law enforcement aligns clearly with the executive branch, which is responsible for the implementation and enforcement of laws created by the legislative branch.