Why were sheriffs appointed in early law enforcement?

• A. To collect taxes
• B. To oversee court procedures
• C. To appoint/hire the police
• D. To enforce traffic laws

Answer: (C)

In early law enforcement, the sheriff’s authority included building an enforcement capability by appointing deputies to act as peace officers. The sheriff, serving as the king’s representative in the county, could authorize and supervise these deputies so there was enough manpower to enforce laws, arrest offenders, and carry out orders across the jurisdiction. This staffing of the office is what made the sheriff the practical head of local policing. While collecting taxes and handling court procedures were part of the sheriff’s duties, the key function that explains why sheriffs were appointed was to hire and authorize the people who would actually enforce the law. Traffic laws aren’t part of the early policing framework, which is why that option doesn’t fit.