Some may have forgotten, or not be aware, that the Federal Reserve system has its own police force. Well, it does: “The U.S. Federal Reserve Police is the law enforcement arm of the Federal Reserve System, the central banking system of the United States…. Officers are certified to carry a variety of weapons systems (depending on assignment) including semi-automatic pistols, assault rifles, submachine guns, shotguns, less-lethal weapons, pepper spray, batons and other standard police equipment.

Officers also wear bullet resistant vests/body armor. On October 12, 2010 President Barack Obama signed into law S.B. 1132 the “Law Enforcement Officers’ Safety Act Improvements Act”, which states that law enforcement officers of the Federal Reserve are “qualified law enforcement officers” and thus are authorized to carry a firearm off-duty.”

At last check, there were over 1000 sworn members of the Fed police force. And judging by the recent spike in appearances of such “help wanted” ads as those shown below, that number is too low.

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