Sheriff

Doug Barger, Sheriff

Washington State statutes provide that "The sheriff is the chief executive officer and conservator of the peace of the county." The law assigns certain general duties to the sheriff and these duties are governed by literally hundreds of statutes and judicial opinions, all intended to protect our citizens and safeguard their rights. The sheriff's duties are as follows:

• Arrests and jails all persons who violate the law
• Defends the county against those who endanger public peace or safety
• Executes and processes court orders
• Executes all warrants
• Attends court sessions and obeys lawful orders or directions
• Makes complaint of all violations of criminal law within the jurisdiction
• May call to aid such persons or power of the county to quiet and suppress all affrays, riots, unlawful assemblies and insurrections, and apprehend or secure any person for felony or breach of the peace

Source: Washington Association of County Officials