About The Sheriff’s Office

It’s one of the most important roles in county government, but also one of the least understood.

Let’s break down the responsibilities of the Sheriff:

What does the Sheriff’s Office do?

The Sheriff’s Office plays a key role in keeping the county justice system running safely and effectively. It provides courthouse security, oversees prisoner transportation, serves legal documents like subpoenas and eviction orders, and enforces protection-from-abuse orders. Deputies also execute warrants and assist other law enforcement when needed. The Sheriff’s Office often serves as the connecting point between the courts and the community. 

What does the Sheriff do?

The Sheriff is the chief executive of their office - responsible for setting the tone, managing the team, and ensuring the office carries out its mission professionally and effectively. The Sheriff makes department policy, oversees the budget, and ensures that deputies are trained, equipped, and supported to succeed in the field. The Sheriff is accountable for how the office serves the courts, protects the public, and handles complex legal responsibilities.

How is a Sheriff different from a Police Chief?

The county Sheriff and local police chiefs are both critical public safety leaders, but they serve different roles. Police chiefs are appointed by township officials and lead departments that focus on emergency response, investigations, and preventing crime within a specific community. The Sheriff is elected by voters and operates countywide, focusing on courthouse security, prisoner transport, serving court documents, enforcing court orders, and executing arrest warrants. While the work is different, both roles require strong leadership, coordination, and a commitment to keeping people safe. They often work together to keep the justice system accountable, coordinated, and responsive to the community.

What qualifications does someone need to be the Sheriff?

The most important qualifications for Sheriff are leadership, sound judgment, and real-world experience managing people and resources. The Sheriff oversees a staff, a budget, and a range of critical public safety functions. That requires someone who understands the justice system, can work well with other key leaders in the justice system, and can make tough decisions with integrity. In Pennsylvania, Sheriffs are often either law enforcement officers or attorneys.

Does a Sheriff need to be a former law enforcement officer?

Short answer: absolutely not. A background in public safety is very helpful, but neither Pennsylvania law nor the responsibilities of the job require a Sheriff to be a former law enforcement officer. Whether a candidate for Sheriff has a legal background or a law enforcement background, what matters is that they have the leadership qualities necessary to effectively manage their office.