Highway patrol duties

The agency has specific jurisdiction over all state routes (including all freeways and expressways), U.S. Highways, Interstate Highways, and all public roads in unincorporated parts of a county. Local police or the local sheriff's department having a contract with an incorporated city are primarily responsible for investigating and enforcing traffic laws in incorporated cities, but the SAHP can still enforce traffic laws on any public road anywhere in the state. While the agency's primary mission is related to transportation, it also possesses full law enforcement authority and can enforce any state law anywhere in the state. Furthermore, SAHP officers act as bailiffs for the Supreme Court and THE Court of Appeal, as well as security at State buildings.

In addition to its highway patrol duties, the SAHP also provides other services including protecting state buildings and facilities (most notably NOOSE HQ), and bodyguarding state officials. The SAHP also works with municipal law enforcement agencies, providing assistance in investigations, patrol, and other aspects of law enforcement.