In reviewing the effects of politics within law enforcement, compare the politically appointed position of the Chief of Police with the elected Sheriff. How is the accountability of each position balanced with the vulnerability to political exposure? How does the political relationship with elected officials and the community-at-large differ between the Sheriff and Chief of Police? Why? ANSWER:

The chief of police is appointed by a government entity such as the mayor, city manager, etc. Sheriffs on the other hand are elected appointed by the voters of their counties. The office of Sheriff who is the only law enforcement leader actually elected by the voters of the county has accountability nodes to the people. The sheriff answers directly to the people who put him in office....