History of Sheriff’s Office

The History and Role of Shires and Sheriffs

Shires: Origins and Development

A Shire is a traditional land division found in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia. The term originates from Old English "scir," related to words like "shear," "shore," and "share," indicating a division of land. The first shires in Scotland emerged in Anglian regions like Lothian and the Borders in the ninth century, later expanded under King David I. By the tenth century, the system had spread across England, though its original meaning evolved.

In the British Isles, "shire" was the original term for what became known as a county after the Norman Conquest. Though modern British usage typically prefers "county," "shire" remains in poetic and administrative contexts (e.g., "Shire Hall"). Scotland continued using "shire" until statutory counties were created in the nineteenth century.

Shires were governed by an Ealdorman and later a royal official called a shire reeve (sheriff). They were divided into hundreds or wapentakes, with alternative subdivisions existing. "Sheriffdom" was an alternative name for shires until the concept was separated by sheriff court reforms.

The Role of Sheriffs

Anglo-Saxon England

Before the Norman Conquest, a reeve (gerefa) was an administrative officer, ranking below an ealdorman or earl. Different reeves included:

• High-reeve
• Town-reeve
• Port-reeve
• Shire-reeve (predecessor to the sheriff)
• Hundred-reeve
• Estate-reeve

The historian Bede and early charters often translated "reeve" into Latin as prefectus.

High Middle Ages

By the medieval period, reeves supervised lands for lords, ensuring serfs worked properly and preventing fraud.

In early 1000s England, shire reeves assisted in crime prevention. Communities were organized into tithings (10 families) and hundreds (100 families), each overseen by a constable. Shires were under direct control of the king, with the shire-reeve (sheriff) as his representative.

Modern Sheriff Roles

A sheriff is a legal official responsible for a county. The term derives from Old English scîrgerefa, meaning "shire reeve." The position persisted in England, Scotland, Ireland, and the United States.

Sheriffs' roles worldwide:

• Ireland, Australia, and Canada: Administrative legal officials (similar to bailiffs)
• Scotland: Judges
• England, Wales, and India: Ceremonial officials
• United States: Duties vary by state and county, including law enforcement, jail administration, warrant service, and tax collection

In the U.S., a sheriff is typically the highest law enforcement officer in a county, often elected by the public. Some states use the title "High Sheriff," though it is rarely used in practice.

Election and Responsibilities in the U.S.

Sheriffs are usually elected, a practice nearly unique to America (except the Channel Island of Jersey). Their deputies, often called sheriff's deputies or officers, carry out law enforcement duties. In some states, the sheriff oversees coroners, tax collection, emergency services, and civil defense.

Sheriffs' roles differ widely across the U.S.:

• Northeastern states: Sheriffs have reduced duties due to state and local police forces
• Other states: Sheriffs operate as the primary law enforcement agency
• City-county mergers: Examples include Las Vegas Metro Police and Miami-Dade Police

In Missouri, the sheriff retains jail-keeping responsibilities. Some counties maintain separate sheriff and county police departments, such as St. Louis County.

Notable U.S. Sheriff Systems

• New York City: The mayor appoints the NYC Sheriff, whose jurisdiction covers all five boroughs
• Connecticut: Abolished sheriffs, leaving law enforcement to state and local police

Cape Girardeau County Sheriff History

Early History

In 1803, the U.S. purchased the land now known as Cape Girardeau County, then under Governor William Henry Harrison of the Indiana Territory. In 1804, he established administrative divisions, including Cape Girardeau. On March 19, 1805, John Hays was appointed as the first Sheriff, serving for 17 years. Cape Girardeau was one of the first five sheriff's offices west of the Mississippi River.

The county belonged to the Louisiana Territory until 1812, then became part of the Missouri Territory. In 1814, Jackson, Missouri, became the county seat. The first sheriffs performed duties beyond law enforcement, including serving as County Collector and Treasurer.

Significant Events

• 1828: First execution in Cape Girardeau County (Pressly Morris, convicted of murder)
• June 15, 1899: Last lawful hanging (John Headrick for murder)
• 1806: First jail (12' x 25', deemed unusable by Sheriff Hays)
• 1819: New jail built after the first was destroyed by fire
• 1859: First brick jail built
• 1979: New 58-bed facility constructed at 215 N. High Street, Jackson
• 2001: Cape Girardeau County Justice Center (152-bed facility with video arraignment) opened at 216 N. Missouri Street, Jackson

Modern Role of the Sheriff

The Sheriff of Cape Girardeau County continues the traditional roles:

1. Keeper of the Courts
2. Keeper of the Jail
3. Keeper of the Peace

Oath of Office: "I, ________, do solemnly swear that I will protect, defend, and preserve the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Missouri, and to the best of my ability will perform the duties of the Office of Deputy Sheriff of Cape Girardeau County, Missouri."

Cape Girardeau County Sheriffs (1805-Present)

(List continues up to the present sheriff)

Current Sheriff

• Sheriff Ruth Ann Dickerson (2018-Present)
• First female sheriff in Cape Girardeau County history

Long live the office of Sheriff, and may he/she forever be elected by their peers.