Sheriffs in the United States

Law enforcement in the United States
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See also
Private police Police dispatcher Coroner Medical examiner Medical jurisprudence List of unarmed African Americans killed by law enforcement officers in the United States
Crime Terrorism Criminology

Sheriffs in the United States are the chief of law enforcement officers of a county.^[1] A sheriff is usually either elected by the populace or appointed by an elected body.^[2]

Sheriffs' 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