(Editor’s note: This article is part of a series designed to help prepare voters for the upcoming countywide elections.)
The sheriff is the highest elected law enforcement official in the county and is considered a “peace officer.” Sheriffs serve four-year terms, and there are no term limits. Unlike police chiefs, who are appointed, sheriffs are directly accountable to voters.
The sheriff’s office enforces Kentucky law and carries a wide range of responsibilities. Deputies provide courtroom security and transport prisoners to and from court, as well as between detention facilities. They also serve mental inquest warrants and transport individuals for evaluation or commitment to psychiatric facilities.
The office issues and records concealed carry deadly weapon permits and serves emergency protective orders, eviction notices, civil court papers and arrest warrants. Deputies patrol the county, respond to 911 calls, enforce traffic laws and assist other local and state agencies. In many counties, the sheriff’s office is the primary law enforcement agency outside city limits.
In addition to law enforcement duties, the sheriff is responsible for collecting annual property taxes. The sheriff also serves on the county board of elections unless they are a candidate on the ballot; in that case, a deputy is appointed to serve. The department must inspect all vehicles brought into Kentucky from another state and all vehicles with rebuilt titles.
The sheriff must submit an annual budget to the fiscal court. The office is fee-based, meaning much of its funding comes from taxes and fees collected for services such as vehicle inspections, serving civil papers and arrest warrants. The fiscal court may supplement funding when necessary, but it does not have direct authority over how the sheriff operates.
To run for sheriff in Kentucky, a candidate must be at least 24 years old, have lived in the state for at least two years prior to the election and have been a resident of the county for at least one year. Before taking office, the elected sheriff must post a bond and take an oath.
Kentucky law does not require sheriffs to be certified law enforcement officers through the Department of Criminal Justice Training, though deputies must be certified, the only exception are special deputies who are appointed and unpaid. Newly elected sheriffs are encouraged, but not required, to attend training through the Kentucky Sheriffs’ Association.
As the county’s top law enforcement officer, the sheriff oversees these varied responsibilities while ensuring they are carried out effectively, balancing administrative leadership with the day-to-day duties of the office.
By Amy Pike
amy@adairvoice.com
