County Sheriffs
Duties and Responsibilities
The County Sheriff is the chief law officer in the county and is responsible for preserving the peace and protecting life and property in the county. The County Sheriff investigates crimes; apprehends persons charged with criminal activity; serves warrants and process papers issued by the District Court and other lawful authorities; handles reports of various nuisances or dangers to the public; and handles safety matters. The County Sheriff may also assist the state in handling state prisoners.
In most counties, the County Sheriff operates the county jail and is responsible for the custody and control of county prisoners plus prisoners incarcerated by many cities and towns.
The County Sheriff and Deputy Sheriffs may assist in collecting delinquent taxes for the county.
Within twelve (12) months of taking office, all newly elected or appointed sheriffs shall complete a sheriff’s administrative school which has been developed by the Oklahoma Sheriff’s Association and which has been approved by the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET). County Sheriffs also receive CLEET accreditation for the classes they take in the County Training Program.
The County Sheriff must also enforce the rights guaranteed to all citizens by the Constitution of the United States.