Law Enforcement Official An officer or employee of any agency or authority of the United States, a State, a territory, a political subdivision of a State or territory, or an Indian tribe, who is empowered by law to: Investigate or conduct an official inquiry into a potential violation of law; or Prosecute or otherwise conduct a criminal, civil, or administrative proceeding arising from an alleged violation of law. Legislation Files Containing This Term: legislation/45CFR-164.501.html legislation/45CFR-164.512.html