Colorado POST Practice Exam

Who investigates when an officer is killed on duty?

1. The Federal Bureau of Investigation

2. The Department of Justice

3. The State Police

4. The local district attorney’s office

The correct answer is: The Federal Bureau of Investigation

When an officer is killed in the line of duty, the investigation typically falls under the purview of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This is because such incidents can have significant implications beyond local jurisdiction and may involve various legal, investigative, and procedural complexities that the FBI is equipped to handle. The FBI brings expertise in federal laws and resources that can assist in thoroughly investigating the circumstances surrounding the officer's death, especially if there are federal implications or if it involves organized crime, terrorism, or civil rights violations. While the Department of Justice may oversee broader aspects related to civil rights and law enforcement accountability, the specific investigatory role is primarily managed by the FBI in these tragic situations. State police may also be involved as they could coordinate with local and federal entities, but they typically do not handle investigations of officers killed in the line of duty directly. The local district attorney's office often plays a role in legal proceedings but does not usually conduct the investigation itself, focusing instead on prosecution after investigations have concluded. Thus, the designation of the FBI as the primary investigative body in such critical cases is crucial for ensuring a comprehensive approach to the inquiry.