What is a primary role of the FBI in law enforcement?

The primary role of the FBI in law enforcement is to investigate federal crimes. The FBI operates as the principal investigative agency and a key component of the United States Department of Justice. Its mandate includes a wide range of criminal activities that fall under federal jurisdiction, such as terrorism, cybercrime, public corruption, civil rights violations, organized crime, and white-collar crime. By focusing on these types of crimes, the FBI plays a pivotal role in maintaining national security and enforcing federal laws.

Other options do not accurately describe the primary responsibilities of the FBI. For instance, overseeing state police operations falls outside the scope of the FBI's authority, as state police are typically managed at the state level. Issuing sanctions on state officers is not a function of the FBI, as this role is usually reserved for state-level oversight and disciplinary bodies. Additionally, providing military support during civilian police actions would be inappropriate for the FBI, which is primarily focused on investigative and law enforcement activities rather than military involvement in civilian matters.