In each state, an attorney general exists as part of the state government, handling issues ranging from civil litigation to tax collection to misdemeanor prosecution. In each attorney general's office, another office exists that is of the utmost importance, especially to consumers. The office of consumer protection operates in the same manner as the Federal Trade Commission, assisting in the enforcement of consumer law particularly by processing complaints. With the large number of issues that can potentially take place, the FTC cannot physically bear the obviously extensive number of complaints throughout the country. In this function is where state & local offices come into play, being that they are capable of handling individual complaints rather than only those of pressing and significant concern. For consumers, contacting your most local office can possibly deliver quicker, more personal attention. However, this does not negate the need to also file a complaint with the FTC, which will place your complaint into the Consumer Sentinel, a federal database for complaints, upon filing.