The Problem with Sheriffs

Unlike local police chiefs, local sheriffs are popularly elected. In theory, that makes them accountable to the voters. In practice, their accountability is quite limited. For example, the incumbency advantage of sitting sheriffs in local elections is enormous. Mirya Holman, Professor of Public Affairs at the University of Houston and co-author (with Emily Farris) of The Power of the Badge, discovered through two national surveys just how unrepresentative local sheriffs are. She discusses why that matters. Unrepresentative sheriffs have attitudes that significantly affect local law enforcement policies on domestic violence, racial bias, and immigration detention.