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“Sheriffs occupy a unique role in law and in lore and yet research on their powers and roles is surprisingly lacking. The research at the heart of this inquiry will allow us to better understand what sheriffs do and why they do it and to understand what their powers are and what constraints exist on those powers. These are the very questions at the heart of understanding the rule of law in a democratic society.”
— Joel Samuels, Director Rule of Law Collaborative

The elected county sheriff is one of the most powerful law enforcement figures in the country. Yet, there’s little consistent understanding on their duties and responsibilities.

While sheriffs are elected on the county level (which is enshrined in state constitutions), there’s a strong argument that their powers more properly belong to the state, especially when contrasted with the role of a city police chief, who is held accountable by the city counsel and can have their powers or budget revoked. In many states, there are provisions in the constitutions that specifically forbid any legislative body, state or county, from limiting the powers (or budget) of the sheriff. And, generally, cities within a sheriff’s jurisdiction do not have the power to limit a sheriff’s authority, either. 

Particularly in the south, sheriffs enjoy a wide range of authority. At the same time, most sheriffs are popularly elected with little to no serious competition, meaning that incumbent sheriffs may control a county for decades.

To read more on the power of Sheriffs, see this report from the Appeal

The Sheriff Accountability Project collects information in one place that explains what sheriffs do and how their responsibilities and powers impact the lives of many citizens, particularly those living outside of urban centers without city police departments.