This question is about what a sheriff does, what a police officer does, and sheriff.

Sheriff vs. Police Officer

By Zippia Team - Jul. 8, 2022

A sheriff is a law enforcement professional that works for a county's sheriff's department, while a police officer is a policeman in a police department of a specific town or city.

A sheriff enforces the law in a specific county within a state. Their duties include investigating crimes, arresting criminals, and responding to emergency situations.

A police officer enforces the law in a town or city and maintains law and order. A police officer also arrests individuals, investigates crimes, and can be one of the first responders to an emergency situation, such as a car wreck or fire.

The main difference between a sheriff and a police officer is a jurisdictional one. A police officer is solely responsible for the prevention of crime within their city limits, whereas a deputy sheriff is responsible for an entire county, which can include several small towns and some larger cities.

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