NCJ Number
144264
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 41 Issue: 7 Dated: (July 1993) Pages: 90-94
Date Published
1993
Length
5 pages
Annotation
According to the National Sheriffs' Association, the traditional role and power of sheriff's offices is being threatened by local governments.
Abstract
Interviews with sheriffs and deputies across the country revealed many different legislative powers and limitations imposed by State and local authorities. For example, in Pennsylvania, sheriffs have no power of arrest under the State vehicle code; a case in which a sheriff's arrested an offender for drunk driving and related charges was ruled in favor of the defendant and is on appeal. Connecticut sheriffs are responsible for transporting prisoners to court, serving civil court papers, and providing courthouse security. In many east coast States, elected sheriffs provide a full range of police, along with court and jail, services. Elected sheriffs often have considerable political influence and many can hire and fire at will and without cause. This author concludes that, like every other type of law enforcement agency, sheriff's offices will undergo some type of change in the coming years.