What term is often used interchangeably with the term "peace officer"?

The term "peace officer" is often used interchangeably with "police officer" because both designations encompass individuals who are authorized to maintain public peace and enforce the law. In many jurisdictions, "peace officer" is a broader category that includes various roles, such as police officers, sheriffs, and other law enforcement personnel who have the authority to arrest and enforce laws.

While a deputy sheriff is a specific title for a law enforcement officer working under the jurisdiction of a sheriff's department, and detectives focus on investigating crimes rather than general law enforcement duties, these roles fall under the larger umbrella of peace officers but do not represent the interchangeable term itself. Similarly, a security guard primarily works in a private capacity and does not have the same legal authority as a peace officer. Therefore, "police officer" is the most appropriate term that aligns with the definition of a peace officer.