Local vs. State Government: Understanding the Opportunities
Written by:
East Carolina University®
• Jan 9, 2025
Local vs. State Government: Security Career Opportunities
Individuals who want to work in intelligence, emergency management, cybersecurity, or law enforcement might picture themselves working for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the military, or the FBI. However, the majority of people working in public sector roles in these fields actually work for state and local governments.
The Congressional Budget Office reports that the federal government employs more than 2 million civilian employees and more than 2 million military service members, while nearly 5.5 million people work for state governments and over 14 million work for state and local governments, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
It can be helpful to consider local vs. state government opportunities when it comes to security careers, and how a multidisciplinary security studies degree can prepare an individual for a career in either sector.
Defining Local vs. State Government
What are the differences when it comes to local vs. state government? And where does the federal government fit into the structure of these governments’ organizations? In the U.S., the federal government operates on a national scale. The Constitution states that powers not held by the federal government fall under the jurisdiction of state and local governments.
State and local governments tend to be more well liked than the federal government. According to a recent Pew Research study, only 32% of Americans have a favorable view of the federal government, compared with 54% for state government and 66% for local government.
State Government
The structure of each state government mirrors the federal government. States have executive and legislative branches, with governors and state legislatures elected by the people. States also have their own judicial branches, with the state supreme court as the highest court. Like in the federal system, state governments rely on checks and balances to prevent abuses of power.
Motor vehicle and driver’s license regulations as well as certain emergency management operations, social services, and law enforcement organizations all operate at the state level.
Local Government
Local governments consist of all of a state’s city, town, and county governments. These smaller municipal governments keep their communities running smoothly by operating public works, housing services, school districts, parks and recreation, and local protective services. Local police, emergency medical services, and fire departments operate at the local government level.
Most Americans interact with their local government more than they do with their state government or the federal government. That’s because local government employees include teachers at neighborhood schools, librarians at public libraries, and road maintenance workers fixing potholes.
The Role of State and Local Government in National Security
State and local governments play a critical role in national security. The Constitution grants authority over law enforcement to the states.
Federal government organizations such as the CIA and the military manage overseas defense and intelligence operations , while the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the FBI play key roles in protecting the nation.
However, most of the nearly 19,000 law enforcement agencies in the U.S. operate at the state and local levels. For example, local police departments employ 650,000 law enforcement officers, according to The Policy Circle.
These local police departments respond to 911 emergencies, patrol neighborhoods, and investigate crimes. Sheriff’s offices enforce the law at the county level. At the state level, state troopers patrol highways and enforce motor vehicle laws.
State and local agencies often work closely with federal agencies to investigate threats and protect the nation’s security. Experience working in local or state law enforcement can lead to career opportunities in federal law enforcement.
State and Local Government Security Career Paths
As mentioned above, nearly 20 million people work in state and local governments, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Most of those employees work for local governments.
Local and state governments offer multiple career paths, including in education, healthcare, transportation, and public safety. Here are some career path options for those interested in security.
Law Enforcement Careers
State and local law enforcement agencies employ most of the police officers in the country. Local police officers protect public safety, respond to emergency calls, and investigate criminal activities. They also enforce traffic laws. At the state level, state troopers monitor highways and assist during national disasters or emergencies. Earning a college degree can help police officers and detectives advance their careers.
Public Health and Safety Careers
At the local and state level, aspiring security professionals can pursue any of a number of jobs related to public health and safety. These include roles in emergency management, such as those involved in responding to environmental hazards. Local governments also employ specialists in public works, who can benefit from understanding the security measures that can help protect critical infrastructure.
Cybersecurity Careers
An increasing number of cyberattacks are targeting state and local government organizations, and cybersecurity professionals help ensure that these organizations can protect sensitive data. Cybersecurity specialists also work with law enforcement to investigate cybercrimes. A background in security with a focus on information technology can be invaluable for individuals interested in pursuing a cybersecurity career in the public sector.
Prepare for a Public Sector Security Career With East Carolina University®
If you’re interested in pursuing a local or state government career in law enforcement, emergency management, cybersecurity, or a related field, earning a bachelor’s in security studies can help. East Carolina University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies: Security Studies degree completion program that helps students develop the practical skills needed for a security career in local or state government.
Through interdisciplinary coursework, you’ll explore national security policy, criminal justice, and homeland security. You’ll also learn about threats to public safety and policy responses. The flexible program lets you choose 24 credits of electives to customize your degree, with options in areas such as criminal justice, environmental health sciences, information and cybersecurity technology, and political science.
Contact ECU today to learn how enrolling in a bachelor’s in security studies program can help you reach your goals.
Recommended Readings
Intelligence Analyst Career Overview
What Is Intelligence Collection, and Why Does It Matter?
Sources:
Congressional Budget Office, Federal Personnel
CPI OpenFox, “A Guide to Law Enforcement Career Paths”
Pew Research Center, “Levels Of Government: Federal, State, Local”
The Policy Circle, “Understanding Law Enforcement”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Police and Detectives
U.S. Census Bureau, “Annual Survey of Public Employment and Payroll Summary Report: 2023”
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, State and Local Engagement
