Sheriffs In the United States are the chief of law enforcement officers of a county.[1] Sheriffs are usually either elected by the populace or appointed by an elected body.[2]
Sheriff's offices are typically tasked with operating jails, security at courthouses and county buildings, protection of judges and juries, preventing breaches of the peace, and coordinating with city police departments.[3] Sheriff's offices may also be responsible for security at public events and areas.[4]
A sheriff's subordinate officers are referred to as deputies and they enforce the law in accordance with the sheriff's direction and orders.
- ^ "Definition of SHERIFF". www.merriam-webster.com. Archived from the original on 28 August 2017. Retrieved 28 April 2018.
- ^ "FAQ". National Sheriffs' Association. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
- ^ World Book Encyclopedia Volume 16 Field Enterprises Educational Corporation Copyright 1963
- ^ A Historical Perspective of the Office of Sheriff Archived 2011-10-11 at the Wayback Machine By Sheriff Roger Scott, Dekalb County, Illinois