What is the difference between police and sheriff?
In the United States, law enforcement agencies can take many forms, but two of the most well-known are the police department and the sheriff’s department. While both are responsible for maintaining law and order in their respective jurisdictions, there are significant differences between the two.
Origins of the Two Agencies
Police Department
The first police departments were established in the early 19th century, with the London Metropolitan Police Service being one of the first formalized police forces in 1829. The modern American police department, however, was modeled after the British system, with the Boston Police Department being the first in the United States in 1838. The police department is a municipal agency responsible for maintaining order and enforcing laws within the city or town.
Sheriff’s Department
The origins of the sheriff’s department date back to the early colonial days, with the first known use of the title "Sheriff" being in England in the 12th century. In the United States, the first recorded sheriff’s office was established in 1629 in Massachusetts. The sheriff is a county official responsible for carrying out various duties, including serving court documents, managing the county jail, and enforcing state laws within the county.
Structure and Jurisdiction
Police Department
- Reports directly to the mayor or city council
- Operates within the city limits, with some agencies covering suburban areas or neighboring municipalities
- Has its own organizational structure, with chiefs, captains, and patrol officers
- Responsible for preventing and investigating crimes, maintaining public safety, and enforcing municipal ordinances
Sheriff’s Department
- Reports directly to the county commission or board of supervisors
- Has jurisdiction over the entire county, often with multiple deputies stationed throughout the county
- Often shares responsibilities with the local police department, such as traffic enforcement and investigations
- Responsible for serving warrants, managing the county jail, and providing security for courts and county facilities
Duties and Responsibilities
Police Department
- Conducts preliminary investigations and makes arrests for misdemeanor and felony crimes
- Responds to calls for service, such as robberies, accidents, and medical emergencies
- Participates in specialized units, such as SWAT and undercover operations
- Coordinates with other agencies, including the FBI and state police
Sheriff’s Department
- Serves and executes court orders, such as search warrants and evictions
- Transports prisoners and maintains custody of inmates in the county jail
- Provides security for county courthouses and other county facilities
- Participates in investigations, often working alongside police departments
Key Differences
| Police Department | Sheriff’s Department | |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | City or town limits | County-wide |
| Reporting Structure | Reports to mayor or city council | Reports to county commission or board of supervisors |
| Responsibilities | Primarily law enforcement | Primarily administrative and law enforcement |
In summary, while both the police department and the sheriff’s department are law enforcement agencies, they differ significantly in terms of jurisdiction, structure, and responsibilities. The police department operates within the city limits and reports to the mayor or city council, whereas the sheriff’s department has county-wide jurisdiction and reports to the county commission or board of supervisors. Understanding the differences between these two agencies can help clarify the role of each in maintaining law and order in their respective communities.
