Sheriffs and sheriff deputies handle crime on a county level. Their role is similar to that of a patrol officer, with the added responsibility of providing law enforcement in rural or unincorporated areas, where they may be the only arbiters of the law.

Sheriffs occasionally work with city police and other agencies on cases that involve both city and county jurisdictions. Some of their duties include:

• Responding to calls
• Patroling the county jurisdiction
• Interviewing witnesses
• Pursuing suspects
• Making arrests
• Reviewing evidence and case files