Jackson County Sheriff
Tim Fee

As your sheriff, I am charged with the responsibility of enforcing the law in a fair and impartial manner to prevent and deter crime, and when that fails, to apprehend and detain those who are accused or convicted of violating the law. Enforcement of the law must be conducted within the statutory and judicial limitations of police authority. It must ensure the safety and well-being of the community while preserving the constitutional rights of all persons.

Under the first Kentucky Constitution in 1792, the office of 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 court’s list of nominees. The term of office was two years.
                                         Qualifications and Term

The present Constitution requires the election of a sheriff in each county to a four year term. The Kentucky Constitution also requires the sheriff to be at least 24 years of age, a citizen of Kentucky, a resident of the state for two years, and a resident of the county of election one year prior to election.

                                             

The sheriff and three other elected county officials: coroners, jailers, and
constables are peace officers who possess law enforcement powers.

       Law Enforcement

These powers include a broad grant of authority to make arrests. Any peace officer may make an arrest for example:

1) in obedience to a warrant;

2) without a warrant when a felony is committed in the peace officer’s presence;

3) without a warrant when the peace officer has probable cause to believe the person arrested has committed a felony;

4) without a warrant if the officer has probable cause to believe that a person is driving under the influence of alcohol or any other ubstance that may impair driving ability.