{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/15.2-1609.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/15.2-1609.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/15.2-1609.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/15.2-1609.html"}],"law_id":82885,"edition_id":1,"section_id":82885,"structure_id":13630,"section_number":"15.2-1609","catch_line":"Sheriff","history":"1997, c. 587.","full_text":"The voters in every county and city shall elect a sheriff unless otherwise provided by general law or special act. The sheriff shall exercise all the powers conferred and perform all the duties imposed upon sheriffs by general law. He shall enforce the law or see that it is enforced in the locality from which he is elected; assist in the judicial process as provided by general law; and be charged with the custody, feeding and care of all prisoners confined in the county or city jail. He may perform such other duties, not inconsistent with his office, as may be requested of him by the governing body. The sheriff shall be elected as provided by general law for a term of four years.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":297092,"text":"The voters in every county and city shall elect a sheriff unless otherwise provided by general law or special act. The sheriff shall exercise all the powers conferred and perform all the duties imposed upon sheriffs by general law. He shall enforce the law or see that it is enforced in the locality from which he is elected; assist in the judicial process as provided by general law; and be charged with the custody, feeding and care of all prisoners confined in the county or city jail. He may perform such other duties, not inconsistent with his office, as may be requested of him by the governing body. The sheriff shall be elected as provided by general law for a term of four years.","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1}},"ancestry":[{"id":13630,"edition_id":1,"name":"Sheriff","identifier":"3","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12877,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:45:26","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:45:26","permalink":{"id":153363,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13630,"identifier":"3","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3","url":"\/15.2\/II\/16\/3\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12877,"edition_id":1,"name":"Local Constitutional Officers, Courthouses and Supplies","identifier":"16","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12733,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:58","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:58","permalink":{"id":153305,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12877,"identifier":"16","token":"15.2\/II\/16","url":"\/15.2\/II\/16\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12733,"edition_id":1,"name":"Powers of Local Government","identifier":"II","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12720,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:50","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:50","permalink":{"id":152369,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12733,"identifier":"II","token":"15.2\/II","url":"\/15.2\/II\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12720,"edition_id":1,"name":"Counties, Cities and Towns","identifier":"15.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","permalink":{"id":151279,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12720,"identifier":"15.2","token":"15.2","url":"\/15.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":82885,"structure_id":13630,"section_number":"15.2-1609","catch_line":"Sheriff","url":"\/15.2-1609\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1609","metadata":false},{"id":82997,"structure_id":13630,"section_number":"15.2-1609.1","catch_line":"Number of deputies","url":"\/15.2-1609.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1609.1","metadata":false},{"id":83479,"structure_id":13630,"section_number":"15.2-1609.10","catch_line":"Prohibited practices; collection of data","url":"\/15.2-1609.10\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1609.10","metadata":false},{"id":60167,"structure_id":13630,"section_number":"15.2-1609.11","catch_line":"Arrest or summons quota prohibited","url":"\/15.2-1609.11\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1609.11","metadata":false},{"id":60810,"structure_id":13630,"section_number":"15.2-1609.2","catch_line":"Sheriffs' salaries; salaries of certain full-time deputies; maximum limits","url":"\/15.2-1609.2\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1609.2","metadata":false},{"id":55776,"structure_id":13630,"section_number":"15.2-1609.3","catch_line":"Fees and mileage allowances","url":"\/15.2-1609.3\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1609.3","metadata":false},{"id":67447,"structure_id":13630,"section_number":"15.2-1609.4","catch_line":"Records of expenses of sheriffs and full-time deputies","url":"\/15.2-1609.4\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1609.4","metadata":false},{"id":66866,"structure_id":13630,"section_number":"15.2-1609.5","catch_line":"Submission of statement of expenses","url":"\/15.2-1609.5\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1609.5","metadata":false},{"id":63850,"structure_id":13630,"section_number":"15.2-1609.6","catch_line":"Agreements regarding traveling expenses","url":"\/15.2-1609.6\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1609.6","metadata":false},{"id":69929,"structure_id":13630,"section_number":"15.2-1609.7","catch_line":"Salaries and expense allowances to be paid by Commonwealth","url":"\/15.2-1609.7\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1609.7","metadata":false},{"id":76227,"structure_id":13630,"section_number":"15.2-1609.8","catch_line":"Payments to counties having certain optional forms of organization and government","url":"\/15.2-1609.8\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1609.8","metadata":false},{"id":66437,"structure_id":13630,"section_number":"15.2-1609.9","catch_line":"Compensation of part-time deputies","url":"\/15.2-1609.9\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1609.9","metadata":false},{"id":58330,"structure_id":13630,"section_number":"15.2-1610","catch_line":"Standard uniforms and motor vehicle markings to be adopted by sheriffs","url":"\/15.2-1610\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1610","metadata":false},{"id":69551,"structure_id":13630,"section_number":"15.2-1611","catch_line":"Alternate clothing for sheriff and deputies","url":"\/15.2-1611\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1611","metadata":false},{"id":77999,"structure_id":13630,"section_number":"15.2-1612","catch_line":"Wearing of same or similar uniforms by unauthorized persons; penalty","url":"\/15.2-1612\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1612","metadata":false},{"id":54601,"structure_id":13630,"section_number":"15.2-1612.1","catch_line":"Deputy sheriffs to complete course of instruction established by Department of Criminal Justice Services","url":"\/15.2-1612.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1612.1","metadata":false},{"id":60045,"structure_id":13630,"section_number":"15.2-1613","catch_line":"Operation of sheriff's office","url":"\/15.2-1613\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1613","metadata":false},{"id":62680,"structure_id":13630,"section_number":"15.2-1613.1","catch_line":"Processing fee may be imposed on certain individuals","url":"\/15.2-1613.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1613.1","metadata":false},{"id":58419,"structure_id":13630,"section_number":"15.2-1614","catch_line":"Destruction of receipts","url":"\/15.2-1614\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1614","metadata":false},{"id":63868,"structure_id":13630,"section_number":"15.2-1614.1","catch_line":"Expense of boarding and lodging jurors","url":"\/15.2-1614.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1614.1","metadata":false},{"id":57459,"structure_id":13630,"section_number":"15.2-1615","catch_line":"Sheriff to deposit funds, keep account of receipts and disbursements, keep books open for inspection","url":"\/15.2-1615\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1615","metadata":false},{"id":59723,"structure_id":13630,"section_number":"15.2-1615.1","catch_line":"Manner of payment of certain items in budgets of sheriffs","url":"\/15.2-1615.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1615.1","metadata":false},{"id":72282,"structure_id":13630,"section_number":"15.2-1616","catch_line":"When deputy may act in place of sheriff","url":"\/15.2-1616\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1616","metadata":false},{"id":75627,"structure_id":13630,"section_number":"15.2-1617","catch_line":"Deputies of deceased sheriffs","url":"\/15.2-1617\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1617","metadata":false},{"id":82367,"structure_id":13630,"section_number":"15.2-1618","catch_line":"Compensating certain law-enforcement officers disabled in performance of duty","url":"\/15.2-1618\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1618","metadata":false},{"id":55463,"structure_id":13630,"section_number":"15.2-1619","catch_line":"When officers not to take obligations","url":"\/15.2-1619\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1619","metadata":false},{"id":77254,"structure_id":13630,"section_number":"15.2-1620","catch_line":"Process, etc., sent to officer by mail","url":"\/15.2-1620\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1620","metadata":false},{"id":59113,"structure_id":13630,"section_number":"15.2-1621","catch_line":"Receipts to be given by officers","url":"\/15.2-1621\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1621","metadata":false},{"id":63534,"structure_id":13630,"section_number":"15.2-1622","catch_line":"Judgment against officer for money due from him","url":"\/15.2-1622\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1622","metadata":false},{"id":70970,"structure_id":13630,"section_number":"15.2-1623","catch_line":"Judgment for officer or sureties against deputy, etc., when officer liable for misconduct of deputy","url":"\/15.2-1623\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1623","metadata":false},{"id":75531,"structure_id":13630,"section_number":"15.2-1624","catch_line":"When judgment against officer or sureties has been obtained and paid","url":"\/15.2-1624\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1624","metadata":false},{"id":58365,"structure_id":13630,"section_number":"15.2-1625","catch_line":"In what court motions may be made","url":"\/15.2-1625\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1625","metadata":false}],"next_section":{"id":82997,"structure_id":13630,"section_number":"15.2-1609.1","catch_line":"Number of deputies","url":"\/15.2-1609.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1609.1","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/15.2-1609\/","history_text":"<p>This law was first created in 1997. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?971+ful+CHAP0587\">587<\/a> of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year.<\/p>","references":[{"id":65104,"section_number":"15.2-1123.1","catch_line":"Lynchburg Regional Airport police department","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-1123.1\/"},{"id":73488,"section_number":"9.1-101","catch_line":"(Effective July 1, 2026) Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/9.1-101\/"},{"id":65278,"section_number":"9.1-113","catch_line":"Compliance with minimum training standards by certain officers; exceptions","order_by":null,"url":"\/9.1-113\/"},{"id":75493,"section_number":"9.1-116","catch_line":"Exemptions of certain persons from certain training requirements","order_by":null,"url":"\/9.1-116\/"},{"id":57595,"section_number":"9.1-165","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/9.1-165\/"},{"id":55107,"section_number":"9.1-169","catch_line":"Total amount and method of distribution of funds to counties and cities","order_by":null,"url":"\/9.1-169\/"}],"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":153365,"object_type":"law","relational_id":82885,"identifier":"15.2-1609","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1609","url":"\/15.2-1609\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/15.2-1609\/","token":"15.2\/II\/16\/3\/15.2-1609","dublin_core":{"Title":"Sheriff","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 15.2-1609","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section><p>The <span class=\"dictionary\">voters<\/span> in every <span class=\"dictionary\">county<\/span> and <span class=\"dictionary\">city<\/span> shall elect a sheriff unless otherwise provided by general <span class=\"dictionary\">law<\/span> or special act. The sheriff shall exercise all the powers conferred and perform all the duties imposed upon sheriffs by general <span class=\"dictionary\">law<\/span>. He shall enforce the <span class=\"dictionary\">law<\/span> or see that it is enforced in the <span class=\"dictionary\">locality<\/span> from which he is elected; assist in the judicial process as provided by general <span class=\"dictionary\">law<\/span>; and be charged with the <span class=\"dictionary\">custody<\/span>, feeding and care of all prisoners confined in the <span class=\"dictionary\">county<\/span> or <span class=\"dictionary\">city<\/span> jail. He may perform such other duties, not inconsistent with his office, as may be requested of him by the <span class=\"dictionary\">governing body<\/span>. The sheriff shall be elected as provided by general <span class=\"dictionary\">law<\/span> for a term of four years.<\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nSHERIFF (\u00a7 15.2-1609)\n\nThe voters in every county and city shall elect a sheriff unless otherwise\nprovided by general law or special act. The sheriff shall exercise all the\npowers conferred and perform all the duties imposed upon sheriffs by general\nlaw. He shall enforce the law or see that it is enforced in the locality from\nwhich he is elected; assist in the judicial process as provided by general law;\nand be charged with the custody, feeding and care of all prisoners confined in\nthe county or city jail. He may perform such other duties, not inconsistent with\nhis office, as may be requested of him by the governing body. The sheriff shall\nbe elected as provided by general law for a term of four years.\n\nHISTORY: 1997, c. 587.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}