The Sheriff is responsible for law enforcement services to the unincorporated areas, providing bailiffs for the court, serving court orders and maintaining a county jail to hold pre-trial and sentenced inmates.

The Sheriff's Department also provides law enforcement services to some incorporated cities on a contract basis and provides mutual aid resources to other police departments in emergencies and disasters.

I live in a city with its own police department. How do the Sheriff and his deputies impact me?

Your property taxes and a portion of your sales tax fund the Sheriff's Department even if your city has its own police department. Every tax parcel is assessed and every sales transaction has a percentage allocated to the Sheriff's Department.

The Sheriff's Department also provides a number of resources to many local police agencies, such as SWAT, the Bomb Squad, Search and Rescue, and access to the Crime Lab.

Why is the Sheriff an elected position?

The Sheriff is elected by the voters, rather than appointed, to allow enforcement of the laws in an even manner, without influence from any other agency, and to be accountable only to the voters.

How long is the term?

The Sheriff is elected for a 4-year term. There is no limit to the number of terms served.