NCJ Number
87235
Journal
Free Inquiry in Creative Sociology Volume: 8 Issue: 1 Dated: (May 1980) Pages: 44-48
Date Published
1980
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This survey of 679 county sheriffs in eight southern States presents demographic information on the respondents, along with information on birthplace, education, tenure, and party affiliation.
Abstract
The States involved in the survey were Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. The receipt of 334 responses constituted a 49 percent return rate. Most of the sheriffs were middle-aged white males with a high school education; however, there were some black sheriffs in counties where black voters are a majority. Police officers in many of the States are required to have a minimum educational level, and the respondents are generally experienced in police work, averaging over 9 years on the police force before becoming sheriff; however, 21 percent had no prior experience in law enforcement. About 55 percent of the sheriffs are serving in the county where they were born, and 84 percent are serving in the State of their birth. Only 7 percent were born outside the South. Despite local ties, most sheriffs have limited tenure, averaging 8 years, and 42 percent are serving their first term. Mortality rises sharply after three terms (12 years) in office. Ninety-two percent are Democratic in their party affiliation, reflecting the failure of the Republican Party to penetrate the county governments. When asked to place themselves on a liberal-conservative spectrum, 11 percent of the sheriffs stated they were liberal or moderately liberal, 25 percent were 'moderates,' and 58 percent considered themselves moderately conservative or conservative. Tabular data and 12 references are provided.