What are the legal duties of a county sheriff in the United States?

A county sheriff is the chief law enforcement officer for a county and has the legal duty to enforce state and local laws, maintain county jails, serve legal documents, and provide law enforcement services to unincorporated areas. Sheriffs are elected officials who report to the county government and must follow state laws that define their specific responsibilities.

Law Enforcement Duties

County sheriffs have the legal duty to patrol their county, investigate crimes, arrest suspects, and enforce state and local laws. They provide law enforcement services to areas of the county not covered by city police departments. Sheriffs also respond to emergency calls and work with other law enforcement agencies on investigations. Their authority extends across the entire county they serve.