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The Office of Sheriff Historian W. A. Morris in his book on the Medieval English Sheriff to 1300 makes these observations: "The office of Sheriff is one of the most familiar and most useful to be found in the history of English institutions. With the single exception of Kingship, no secular dignity now known to English-speaking people is older.
The functions, status and powers of the office, like those of kingship itself, have undergone change, but for over nine centuries it has maintained a continuous existence and preserved its distinguishing features." Walter H. Anderson, in his Sheriffs, Coroners, and Constables, states, "The office of Sheriff is one of antiquity. It is the oldest law enforcement office know within the common law system, and it has always been accorded with great dignity and high trust." Thomas Jefferson wrote in his The Value of Constitutions, "The office of Sheriff is the most important of all the executive offices of the county." Professor Edward A. Farris of New Mexico State University phrases it succinctly when he states: "While changes have been brought by technological and social advances, the framework of government within which the sheriff functions has not changed drastically. His duties and powers may be altered by the existing social and political climate, but his basic responsibility – to protect life and property – has not been diminished."
The office of Sheriff is certainly significant and was, in fact, the first county office established in the United States. Sheriffs have indeed played a significant role in the history of our nation, and the Sheriffs of California have contributed greatly to this heritage.
California State Sheriffs' Association (CSSA) is a nonprofit professional organization comprised of the 58 sheriffs along with thousands of law-abiding citizens throughout the state. The association was formed in 1894 for the purpose of giving California sheriffs a single effective voice. It was also formed for the purpose of sharing information and providing assistance to sheriffs and departmental personnel, thus enabling them to improve the delivery of law enforcement services to the citizens of this State.
Every sheriff works diligently with fellow sheriffs through CSSA to improve the profession and to elevate the law enforcement system through cooperation with other law enforcement agencies. As the sheriffs are Constitutionally elected officials, the California legislature regulates their duties and responsibilities. The sheriffs serve as upholders for your public safety needs. CSSA functions as a legislative watchdog for the county sheriff and sheriff's personnel as well as for citizens on professional and law enforcement issues.
California sheriffs and the California State Sheriffs' Association have established the following goals:
- Updating knowledge of modern law enforcement science and technology, and providing this educational training to sheriffs' personnel.
- Developing and maintaining programs, policies and procedures that will enhance public confidence in the sheriff's criminal detection, prevention and apprehension capabilities.
- Reinforcing relationships at the state level with the governor, attorney general, state legislature and other state officials as to the needs, requirements, resources and duties to enable the sheriffs to provide effective and efficient law enforcement in their counties.
- Jointly addressing the unique problems of all California sheriffs and resolving the challenges collectively through the association and periodic meetings of all sheriffs.
- Maintaining the role of sheriff as the chief law enforcement officer in the county.
To further enhance the strength of the sheriffs' voices, the Associate Membership Program was authorized in 1984. This program permits interested law-abiding citizens the opportunity to become associate members of California State Sheriffs' Association (CSSA).
Your support and interest as an associate member of CSSAF will provide for more effective law enforcement and will ensure its growth and goals which include:
- Research on critical law enforcement issues
- Development of programs to reduce crime
- Training on law enforcement related programs
- Publication of the California Sheriff magazine
Upon receipt of your dues, your membership credentials will be processed and include:
- Personalized Associate Membership Card
- One year subscription to the California Sheriff* magazine
- CSSA bumper sticker/decal
*The California Sheriff magazine is the official publication of California State Sheriffs' Association. It is published quarterly. The annual subscription is $6 and is included in your membership dues.
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