View Full Version : Sheriff office not doing their job
markjmr
Feb 10, 2014, 09:33 AM
What is the chain of command after the sheriff office, won't do a investigation right, is the next office county attorney. Thank you
joypulv
Feb 10, 2014, 10:38 AM
A sheriff and county attorney work together, rather than one being higher than the other. You are free to try the attorney, but don't expect a response. Sometimes it's a matter of pounding on a lot of desks, mayors and representatives, the press, and if all else fails, you hire a lawyer. I'd say hire the lawyer first, but I assume that you realize that that will cost you. If you want to tell us the situation, maybe we can provide some ideas.
ScottGem
Feb 10, 2014, 10:55 AM
I agree with joy, if you don't believe the county LEOs are doing their job, get an attorney. Claiming the sheriff's dept isn't doing an "investigation right" is a matter of opinion and unless you are an expert your opinion may not be correct.
smearcase
Feb 10, 2014, 04:03 PM
Many sheriffs are elected and answer only to the voters. Some are funded by commissioners and commissioners get the chance to influence decisions and actions by the amount of funding that is authorized or withheld. State police usually have jurisdiction over the same areas as Sheriffs. But the sheriff may have the priority (and possibly agreed to by state police) for investigating a particular issue. If you can convince the state police that the sheriff has failed to do his/her job they may step in, but politics will be a possible obstacle. Often, news agencies get involved if it appears to be a miscarriage of justice. It may seem clear cut to you but not so much to others. What did the sheriff do? Or, not do?
Fr_Chuck
Feb 11, 2014, 05:42 AM
In the US, a sheriff does not report to anyone. You can discuss the case with the states attorney or your county DA, but they can not force or make a sheriff do anything.
I will add, if you are watching TV and shows like CSI , real life police work does not work like that.
Most investigations are really not done. Just reports taken, no department has man power for long investigation.
Also due to rights of suspects, and evidence issues, just knowing a guilty person is also not enough
If you wish to discuss details, we can give you professional law enforcement opinions