Which agency is primarily responsible for enforcing criminal laws in most urban and unincorporated areas?

The Sheriff's Department is primarily responsible for enforcing criminal laws in most urban and unincorporated areas due to its jurisdiction and the nature of its duties. Sheriffs are elected officials who oversee law enforcement for a specific county, which can include both urban and rural regions. This agency is tasked with maintaining peace, enforcing laws, handling emergencies, and serving legal documents within their jurisdiction. In many cases, especially in unincorporated areas where there are no municipal police forces, the Sheriff's Department becomes the primary law enforcement authority.

In contrast, municipal agencies are typically limited to enforcing laws within city limits and may not have jurisdiction in unincorporated areas. Tribal agencies enforce laws on tribal lands and have restricted authority outside these areas. International agencies are focused on cross-border issues, such as human trafficking or drug smuggling, and do not generally cover local law enforcement duties within a state or county. Thus, the Sheriff's Department plays a crucial role in ensuring the rule of law in areas that lack other forms of law enforcement.