Before voters head to the polls this election cycle, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what each county office actually does — and what it doesn’t do. The role of the county's sheriff is one that often carries a lot of assumptions, so this guide provides straightforward, factual information drawn from state law and CTAS resources. Our goal is to equip White County voters with accurate, easy-to-understand details so you can make informed decisions when casting your ballot. 

WHAT THE SHERIFF DOES 

1. Carries Out Court Orders 
  • Serves warrants, summonses, subpoenas, and legal notices 
  • Delivers proof back to the court when service is complete 
2. Provides Security for the Courts 
  • Supplies bailiffs and courtroom security 
  • Protects judges, staff, and the public 
  • Keeps the courthouse orderly and safe 
3. Maintains Public Peace and Enforces Laws 
  • Patrols the county 
  • Responds to crimes and public safety threats 
  • Prevents and investigates crime 
  • Arrests individuals when legally required 
4. Operates and Oversees the County Jail 
  • Receives and securely houses inmates 
  • Ensures inmate safety and basic care 
  • Manages jail staff 
  • Transports inmates to court when ordered 
5. Maintains Custody of Prisoners 
  • Keeps prisoners secure 
  • Responsible for lawful release 
  • Ensures proper transport 
Evictions, garnishments, orders of protection, etc. 
  • Marks when papers are received 
  • Serves them promptly and legally 
7. Enforces Court Judgments 
  • May seize property when ordered by the court 
  • May conduct property sales if needed to satisfy a judgment 
8. Protects County Property 
  • Secures courthouse facilities unless assigned elsewhere 
  • Prevents trespassing and vandalism  

WHAT THE SHERIFF DOES NOT DO 

While the sheriff’s office carries a wide range of important responsibilities, there are also several areas that people commonly assume fall under the sheriff’s authority but actually do not. These misunderstandings are completely normal — many county roles overlap or sound similar, and it isn’t always obvious where certain duties belong. To help voters get the clearest picture possible, the following section breaks down what the sheriff is not responsible for according to state law.

1. The sheriff does not make or change laws. 

That belongs to the state legislature and county commission. 

2. The sheriff does not set the county budget or taxes. 

The county commission controls funding and tax rates. The sheriff can, and does, create a budget for his own department and presents it to the county's budget committee. The county commissioners determine how much money is given to the sheriff's department and the sheriff is required to rework the department budget to fit within those constraints.

3. The sheriff does not decide guilt, innocence, or sentencing. 

Judges, juries, and the District Attorney control court outcomes. 

4. The sheriff does not set bonds or court dates. 

Those are handled by judges and court clerks. The sheriff can only arrest individuals who are breaking a law. How much they have to pay to get out of jail is not something the sheriff can control. How long it is until they appear in front of a judge is also out of the sheriff's control.

5. The sheriff does not control the school system. 

Schools are governed by the School Board and Director of Schools. Deputies are assigned to schools to serve as School Resource Officers, but their only duty is to ensure safety from threats - whether internal or extrernal.

6. The sheriff does not issue driver’s licenses, tags, or permits. 

Those responsibilities belong to the County Clerk and state Driver Services. Driver services are available at the Driver Testing station in Cookeville. Some services, such as license renewals, are available at the White County Public Library. All vehicle registration must go through the White County Clerk's office located in the courthouse.

7. The sheriff does not control sentencing length or early release. 

Release decisions come from the courts or state correction authorities. This is important to understand. The Sheriff and/or his deputies can arrest people, but they cannot determine how long they stay incarcerated, making the need to arrest repeat offenders something that has to be done. It is not up to the sheriff to keep individuals off the streets - he can only take them off the streets and have them appear before a judge.

10. The sheriff does not run state prisons or parole/probation. 

Those fall under the Tennessee Department of Correction. White County does house state prisoners in their jail, but those sentences have already been handed down by a court. The sheriff only provides room within the county's jail to house those prisoners locally.

Bottom Line:

Understanding what the sheriff is legally responsible for — and what falls outside the office’s authority — helps voters make decisions based on accurate information rather than assumptions. As this election cycle continues, we hope this guide serves as a quick, reliable reference for anyone wanting a clearer picture of how county government works. 

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