Sam SmithLaw enforcement in the United States is highly decentralized, with thousands of agencies operating at the city, county, and state levels. Among them, a handful stand out for their sheer size and scope. Measuring by full-time sworn officers—the most consistent metric—these departments represent the largest concentrations of local policing power in the nation. From iconic city forces like the NYPD and LAPD to massive county sheriff’s offices and even specialized agencies, this ranking provides a clear snapshot of where America’s biggest police forces are today.
Largest Police Forces In The US
1. New York City Police Department (NYPD)
The NYPD is the largest municipal police force in the United States, with about 33,000 sworn officers. Founded in 1845, it serves over 8.5 million residents across five boroughs. Known for specialized divisions like Counterterrorism and Transit, it manages one of the most complex urban environments globally. Its scale allows for extensive community policing, advanced technology integration, and international training partnerships, making it a model for large‑city law enforcement worldwide.
2. Chicago Police Department (CPD)
With roughly 11,700 officers, CPD is the second‑largest municipal force in the nation. Established in 1837, it patrols a city of nearly 2.7 million residents. CPD faces challenges including gun violence and organized crime, while also pioneering community policing initiatives. Its specialized units—such as gang enforcement and homicide—are among the busiest in the country. The department’s size reflects Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods and complex public safety needs, balancing tradition with modern policing strategies.
3. Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)
The LAPD employs about 8,900 officers, serving a sprawling metropolis of nearly 4 million residents. Founded in 1869, it is renowned for its specialized divisions, including SWAT and Air Support. The department has a storied history, both celebrated and controversial, shaping national conversations on policing. Today, LAPD emphasizes technology, community partnerships, and crime reduction strategies across diverse neighborhoods, from Hollywood to South Central. Its influence extends beyond Los Angeles, often setting trends in law enforcement practices.
4. Philadelphia Police Department
Philadelphia’s force of approximately 5,800 officers makes it one of the largest in the country. Established in 1854, it serves a population of 1.6 million. The department is known for its neighborhood‑based policing and specialized units addressing narcotics, violent crime, and homeland security. Philadelphia’s historical significance as America’s birthplace adds symbolic weight to its policing role. Despite challenges with staffing and crime rates, the department continues to adapt, focusing on community engagement and modernized training.
5. Miami‑Dade Police Department (Florida)
Miami‑Dade employs about 4,700 sworn officers, making it the largest sheriff’s office jurisdiction in Florida. Covering unincorporated areas and contract municipalities, it serves nearly 3 million residents. The department is notable for its aviation, marine, and narcotics units, reflecting Miami’s role as a global gateway. Its diverse workforce mirrors the county’s multicultural population. Miami‑Dade PD balances urban and suburban policing, tackling issues from organized crime to hurricane response, while maintaining strong community outreach programs.
6. Clark County School District Police (Nevada)
Unique among large agencies, the Clark County School District Police Department has about 4,700 sworn officers dedicated to school safety. Serving the fifth‑largest school district in the U.S., it covers Las Vegas and surrounding areas. Officers focus on student protection, campus security, and juvenile crime prevention. Its size reflects the district’s vast scale, with hundreds of schools and over 300,000 students. The agency highlights how specialized jurisdictions can rival major city forces in staffing.
7. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD)
LVMPD, with about 4,600 officers, serves both the City of Las Vegas and unincorporated Clark County. Formed in 1973 through a merger, it handles unique challenges tied to tourism, nightlife, and large‑scale events. Specialized units address organized crime, counterterrorism, and casino security. The department’s jurisdiction includes the famous Las Vegas Strip, requiring constant vigilance. LVMPD’s blend of urban policing and county coverage makes it one of the most distinctive large agencies in the nation.
8. Houston Police Department (HPD)
HPD employs about 5,200 officers, serving America’s fourth‑largest city with over 2.3 million residents. Founded in 1841, it has grown alongside Houston’s rapid expansion. The department manages diverse challenges, from traffic enforcement to violent crime, across sprawling neighborhoods. Specialized divisions include homicide, narcotics, and cybercrime. HPD emphasizes community partnerships and technology, such as body‑worn cameras. Its size reflects Houston’s role as a major economic hub, requiring extensive resources to maintain public safety.
9. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD)
LASD is the largest sheriff’s office in the United States, with about 9,800 deputies. Serving over 3 million residents in unincorporated areas and contract cities, it also manages the nation’s largest jail system. Founded in 1850, LASD combines municipal policing with countywide responsibilities. Specialized units include search‑and‑rescue, aviation, and gang enforcement. Its scale and scope make it unique, balancing urban, suburban, and rural policing while supporting regional law enforcement across Southern California.
10. Phoenix Police Department
Phoenix PD employs about 2,800 officers, serving the fifth‑largest city in the U.S. with nearly 1.7 million residents. Established in 1881, it covers a vast desert metropolis with diverse communities. The department addresses challenges including immigration, narcotics, and urban growth. Specialized units focus on violent crime, homeland security, and community outreach. Phoenix PD emphasizes modernization, using technology and training to adapt to rapid population increases. Its size reflects the city’s expanding role in national urban development.
Top 50 Largest U.S. Police Departments (Table Format)
| Rank | Agency | Approx. Sworn Officers |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York City Police Department | ~33,000 |
| 2 | Chicago Police Department | ~11,700 |
| 3 | Los Angeles Police Department | ~8,900 |
| 4 | Philadelphia Police Department | ~5,800 |
| 5 | Miami-Dade Police Department | ~4,700 |
| 6 | Clark County School District Police | ~4,700 |
| 7 | Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department | ~4,600 |
| 8 | Houston Police Department | ~5,200 |
| 9 | Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department | ~9,800 |
| 10 | Phoenix Police Department | ~2,800 |
| 11 | Dallas Police Department | ~3,100 |
| 12 | San Antonio Police Department | ~2,300 |
| 13 | San Diego Police Department | ~1,900 |
| 14 | Baltimore Police Department | ~2,500 |
| 15 | Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department | ~3,400 |
| 16 | Boston Police Department | ~2,100 |
| 17 | San Francisco Police Department | ~1,700 |
| 18 | Detroit Police Department | ~2,300 |
| 19 | Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office | ~1,650 |
| 20 | San Jose Police Department | ~1,100 |
| 21 | Austin Police Department | ~1,600 |
| 22 | Fort Worth Police Department | ~1,500 |
| 23 | Charlotte‑Mecklenburg Police Department | ~1,800 |
| 24 | Columbus Police Department | ~1,850 |
| 25 | Seattle Police Department | ~1,000 |
| 26 | Denver Police Department | ~1,400 |
| 27 | Memphis Police Department | ~1,900 |
| 28 | Nashville Metropolitan Police Department | ~1,500 |
| 29 | Atlanta Police Department | ~1,500 |
| 30 | Prince George’s County Police Department | ~1,550 |
| 31 | Albuquerque Police Department | ~950 |
| 32 | Milwaukee Police Department | ~1,650 |
| 33 | Portland Police Bureau | ~790 |
| 34 | Orange County Sheriff’s Department | ~1,800 |
| 35 | Honolulu Police Department | ~1,850 |
| 36 | San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department | ~2,900 |
| 37 | Riverside County Sheriff’s Department | ~2,000 |
| 38 | Sacramento Police Department | ~700 |
| 39 | Omaha Police Department | ~800 |
| 40 | Tucson Police Department | ~800 |
| 41 | Kansas City Police Department | ~1,300 |
| 42 | Mesa Police Department | ~950 |
| 43 | Virginia Beach Police Department | ~750 |
| 44 | Cleveland Division of Police | ~1,300 |
| 45 | Raleigh Police Department | ~800 |
| 46 | Fairfax County Police Department | ~1,300 |
| 47 | Long Beach Police Department | ~780 |
| 48 | Oklahoma City Police Department | ~1,000 |
| 49 | Tulsa Police Department | ~800 |
| 50 | Minneapolis Police Department | ~580 |
Closing
While officer strength offers one way to compare departments, it doesn’t tell the whole story. Each agency serves communities with unique challenges, demographics, and expectations. Some, like the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, cover vast jurisdictions, while others, like the Clark County School District Police, focus on specialized environments. Together, these 50 agencies illustrate the diversity and scale of American policing—and highlight ongoing trends of recruitment struggles, budget pressures, and evolving public safety needs. Understanding their size is just the first step in appreciating their role in shaping law enforcement across the country.