The office of the present day Sheriff traces back to England before the Norman Conquest of 1066. During the reign of William the Conqueror, the sheriff had almost unlimited power. He was virtual ruler of the county, responsible for its revenues, military force, police, jails, courts and the execution of its writs. The importance of the office resulted not only from the scope of the Sheriffs duties, but from his direct relationship to the central government. The Crown appointed English sheriffs.

English colonists brought the office of Sheriff to America as part of county government. In the South, where the county system was strong, the office of Sheriff was more important than in those areas where local government centered in towns or townships.

Under the first Kentucky Constitution, the office of the Sheriff was elective and the term of office was three years. Under the second Constitution the Sheriff was nominated by the county court and appointed by the governor from the courts list of nominees. The term of office was two years (KY Const. (1799), Art. III, sec. 31) In 1850, under the third Constitution, the Sheriffs office was again made elective. The term of Office was two years ( Art. VI, sec. 4).

The present Constitution requires the election of a Sheriff in each county. His term is for four years (section 99). Before taking office he must execute bond as provided in KRS 70.020, 134.230 and 134.250. The bond required by KRS70.020 relates to the performance of his tax collection duties. He must also take the constitutional oath of office (Ky. Const., sec.228) and statutory oath of office.


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