States, cities & tribes
sheriff
An elected county law enforcement officer who typically runs the jail, serves court papers, and polices unincorporated areas.
In full
Unlike a police chief, who is hired and can be fired by a city, a sheriff is usually elected and answers to voters, which makes the office unusually independent of other local officials. Duties vary by state, and in many places the sheriff's largest responsibility is the county jail, holding people awaiting trial.
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A plain-language explanation for civic education, not legal advice. When in doubt, the official source named above controls.