What's the difference in these law enforcement agencies?

**tinkgirl** · 06-11-2009, 08:49 PM

I live in CA and I want to know the difference between,
Sheriffs,
Highway Patrol, and
Police Officers

It's really sad, but my BF is a Sheriff Deputy, and I don't even know what that means, I thought they were all "cops".

I'm to embarrassed to ask him.

Please clarify!

**trooper3316** · 06-11-2009, 08:49 PM

The Highway Patrol is statewide, and their primary mission is traffic safety.

The Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement for the entire county. Besides law enforcement, they run the county jail and serve civil process papers such as restraining orders, eviction notices, and subpoenas.

A police department is primarily responsible for just what is in the city limits.

06-11-2009, 08:49 PM

In most areas the title of Sheriff is an elected office with the responsibilities of County wide jurisdiction and the County jail.
His deputies are usually of 2 varieties
a. Patrol deputy : essentially a police officer by another name.
b. Correctional deputy : a deputy who runs the county jail.

Highway Patrol : generally refers to your local State Police also known as State Troopers. Some local and county police departments also have their own highway patrol units if they have significant lengths of freeways or interstates in their jurisdictions.

Police Officer: The standard term for an officer of the law with full arrest powers & duties.