Changes

In most parts of the [[United States]], the '''sheriff''' is the chief law enforcement officer of a [[county]] or [[parish]].In some states, such as [[Connecticut]], the office of the Sheriff has been abolished altogether. In others, such as [[Delaware]], the Sheriff is responsible for court-ordered civil paper service and has no law enforcement authority. This, however, is currently in debate within that state on the basis of [[Common Law]] authority granted to the Sheriff. In two states, [[Hawaii]] and [[Rhode Island]], the sheriff has state-wide authority. In Hawaii, the sheriff is the functional equivalent of a [[State Police|state police]].

In most parts of the [[United States]], the '''sheriff''' is the chief law enforcement officer of a [[county]] or [[parish]].In some states, such as [[Connecticut]], the office of the Sheriff has been abolished altogether. In others, such as [[Delaware]], the Sheriff is responsible for court-ordered civil paper service and has no law enforcement authority. This, however, is currently in debate within that state on the basis of [[Common Law]] authority granted to the Sheriff. In two states, [[Hawaii]] and [[Rhode Island]], the sheriff has statewide authority. In Hawaii, the sheriff is the functional equivalent of a [[State Police|state police]].

In many jurisdictions, the Sheriff is directly elected by the voters rather than being appointed by an executive.

In many jurisdictions, the Sheriff is directly elected by the voters rather than being appointed by an executive.