Which term can be used interchangeably with "department" in certain contexts?

The term "Bureau" can indeed be used interchangeably with "department" in various contexts, particularly within the structure of government and law enforcement organizations. In these contexts, both terms refer to a distinct organizational unit tasked with specific functions or responsibilities. A bureau often indicates a subdivision that is responsible for particular areas of services or investigations.

For example, within law enforcement agencies, a "Bureau of Criminal Investigation" could be seen as comparable to a department responsible for criminal activities. This interchangeable usage stems from the similar roles that both structures play in organizational hierarchy, where both can denote a specialized function that contributes to the overall mission of the larger organization.

Using "agency," "division," or "sector" may be appropriate in different contexts but tends to imply variations in structure or purpose that do not align as closely with the connotation of "department" as "bureau" does.