What does a sheriff do?

What this office controls

• Runs the county jail, including conditions, medical care, and staffing.
• Provides patrol and investigation in unincorporated areas and small towns without their own police.
• Serves court papers, warrants, evictions, and provides courthouse security.
• Sets enforcement priorities and department policy.
• In many states, decides how the county cooperates with federal immigration detainers.

What it can’t do

Just as important, and the source of most misplaced expectations about the job:

• Generally does not police incorporated cities that have their own police department.
• Does not decide charges or sentences — that is the district attorney and the courts.
• Depends on the county commission for funding.

Why this race matters

The sheriff is usually the only law-enforcement leader voters elect directly, and one of the few officials with immediate, personal authority over people's liberty. Jail conditions, use-of-force policy, and immigration cooperation are all set by this office, not by a board.

What to look for in a candidate

• Law-enforcement experience and management background.
• Jail conditions, deaths in custody, and staffing under prior leadership.
• Stated policy on use of force, body cameras, and transparency.
• Position on cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
• Budget requests and how the department has spent past funds.