The basic duties of Sheriff fall into four categories: law enforcement, jail facilities management, civil and legal processing, and emergency operations. Law enforcement responsibilities consist of arresting and detaining alleged law violators and enforcing the legal controls relating to pollution, hunting, firearms, fireworks, traffic, and watercraft activities. 

The Sheriff also maintains and operates county jail facilities; serves court orders, summons, and subpoenas; conducts the forced sales of all property and foreclosures; and assists in disaster emergencies (i.e. flood, earthquakes, etc.) and in search and rescue operations.