What this office does: Manages the county jail and prisoners. Provides court security, serves warrants, and conducts criminal investigations. May appoint deputies with the consent of the County Commission. The Sheriff also must protect the peace, uphold the law, and coordinate search and rescue. Not required to hold Peace Officer certification, but cannot perform law enforcement actions without it. They serve a 4-year term.
Why it matters: The sheriff affects policing priorities and interactions with the public. In the county budget, the sheriff’s department is often the largest. The sheriff needs experience in budgeting and administration as well as law enforcement.