Corrections Officer Entrance (CJBAT) Practice Exam

In law enforcement, who is typically the chief law enforcement officer of a county?

1. Deputy

2. Sheriff

3. Patrol Officer

4. Constable

The correct answer is: Sheriff

The chief law enforcement officer of a county is typically the Sheriff. The Sheriff's role is to oversee the county's law enforcement agency, ensuring public safety and enforcing the law throughout their jurisdiction. Sheriffs are usually elected officials who have the authority to oversee deputies and other staff, manage the county jail, and provide law enforcement services that can include patrolling, responding to emergencies, and investigating crimes. This position is distinct from other roles; for example, a Deputy assists the Sheriff and can carry out law enforcement duties but does not hold the overarching authority that comes with the Sheriff’s title. Patrol Officers focus on day-to-day policing tasks, responding to calls for service and patrolling neighborhoods but are under the command of the Sheriff or a police chief, not serving as the principal authority themselves. Constables often serve specific functions in certain jurisdictions, typically related to serving legal documents and maintaining order during court proceedings, but they do not serve as the primary law enforcement leader in a county.