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The Office of Sheriff
originated in England
well over nine centuries
ago. Since the beginning, Sheriffs have been responsible for
maintaining law
and order and have served as the primary law enforcement officer of the
county.
As early as the 1700's, it was a significant honor to be the Sheriff
and
sometimes the honor proved to be costly. If the people of the county
did not
pay the full amount of taxes and fines, the sheriff had to make up the
difference from his holdings. Furthermore, the Sheriff was
expected to
serve as host for judges and other dignitaries, providing lavish
entertainment
at his own expense.
In
settling the
American colonies, the British brought with them the Office of Sheriff.
As the
first American counties were established in Virginia in
1634, the elected Sheriff
appeared a few years later. As America
moved westward, the Office of Sheriff and the concept of the county
jail were
born. The Sheriff served to protect the public's peace in lawless
territories
where the fastest draw and the most accurate shot often controlled the
county.
Today, the Office of
Sheriff is
established by the state constitution in most states. Other states have
established the office by act of the state legislature. In Georgia,
the
Sheriff is both a constitutional and a county officer. The
constitutionality of
the office derives primarily from English Common Law. The status as a
county
office is drawn from a number of general constitutional provisions
relating to
the office. It is the responsibility of the Sheriff to maintain peace,
protect life,
protect property and provide service to the community. Specific duties
of the
Office of Sheriff today include: providing law enforcement and traffic
safety
services, operating the county jail, serving as an officer of the court
and
serving criminal warrants, subpoenas and civil
papers.
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