It’s not enforced because it’s not true. I defy anyone to show me this anywhere on the books. The truth is that the power of the County Sheriff varies wildly from state to state.
Some states like Massachusetts, the sheriff isn’t even involved in law enforcement. The sheriff’s department there is relegated solely to running the jail, and acting as badged process servers.
Other places like New York and parts of Colorado, the sheriff isn’t even an elected official. It’s a largely ceremonial position, and the sheriff is appointed by, and serves at the pleasure of the mayor.
Other states like Alaska and Connecticut have done away with the position altogether and it simply does not exist in those states.
Reading this thread, it’s obvious that many FReepers have confused tradition with codified law.
“Other places like New York and parts of Colorado, the sheriff isn’t even an elected official.”
Where do you get your information? You have been misinformed.
I live in NY. Our County Sheriff is an elected official. He is the head of the County Sheriff Department which is our primary law enforcement agency. He is the top law enforcement officer in the county.
His role is most certainly not “largely ceremonial”.