The Texas Constitution mandates that one sheriff exist for each of the Texas counties. Each sheriff has countywide jurisdiction. Sheriffs may appoint deputies and jailers to assist in the performing of their duties.
In addition, the sheriff transports prisoners to local courts from throughout the United States, transports juvenile offenders and mental health detainees throughout Texas, rounds up estrayed livestock in the county and performs many other duties. A municipality may create and fund a police department but it is not required by law to do so. If created, the police jurisdiction extends only within the boundaries of the municipality they serve. A chief of police is not elected.
Police officers may enforce state criminal and traffic laws and local ordinances adopted within their jurisdiction. Police serve arrest warrants and as bailiff for the municipal court. Police are not required to keep a jail but may operate a municipal jail for housing misdemeanor violators or detainees awaiting transfer to the county jail. Police officers do not have responsibility for transporting prisoners, serving civil process, rounding up estrays or conducting many of the other duties designated to sheriffs.
In counties where a sheriff is elected — generally to a four-year term — the timeline to entering the occupation is extended. Candidates must establish a platform of issues, obtain sufficient support via a petition of signatures, determine a budget, raise campaign funds, recruit campaign staff and volunteers, file necessary paperwork, and run their election campaign.
Some jurisdictions stipulate that prospective sheriffs begin their careers as sworn officers before they can run for or advance to a sheriff position. Most counties impose a minimum age for application eighteen or nineteen years of age and a minimum age for election or appointment twenty-one years of age.
The career of sheriff involves both reward and risk. Protecting the lives and property of individuals on a county level offers the satisfaction of working in public service. The job also comes with some inherent negatives. Before embarking upon this career, one should consider its pros and cons and review the typical traits and soft skill set of those who work in the field.
Pros: - Little or no college may be required; some positions are open to high school graduates with academy training - Higher-than-average wage -Opportunity to protect and serve the community - Interesting and stimulating work. Cons: - Slow job growth predicted through - Sheriffs may need to be elected into office - Higher-than-average stress and possibility of physical injury, associated with attending crime scenes and arresting criminals - Sheriffs may be required to work long hours, nightshifts, weekends, and holidays.
Sheriffs generally thrive on order and continuity. They tend to be outspoken persons of principle who take initiative to establish process and guidelines. The job outlook for police and detectives is positive in the coming years. The BLS expects job growth of 7 percent over the to decade. This is on par with the national average of 7 percent job growth expected for all occupations in the United States. There are low rates of turnover in the law enforcement field.
The majority of new job opportunities will be the result of retirement from this industry. This can create a competitive landscape for job seekers. It's important to pursue education and activities that will increase your employability in this field.
As sheriffs are elected, one must also consider his or her public presence for an opportunity to earn this position. Sheriffs typically serve a term of four years. Sheriffs and deputy sheriffs are typically employed at the county level. Their jurisdiction covers the entire county, which may include several cities or towns.
In very small cities where there is not a larger police department in service to the city, the sheriff and deputy sheriffs may also serve the city in addition to the county. However, city law enforcement is usually provided by police officers rather than sheriffs. Training for a position as a deputy sheriff varies by jurisdiction. Most require a minimum of a high school diploma, with higher degrees preferred.
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