No such federal authority exists, despite what CO’s political tyrants wish. The Sheriff has every right to deputize citizens and use necessary force to defend themselves. They are the HIGHEST law enforcement authority in their respective jurisdiction.
You and I agree on that. What the legislature is trying to do is create a law that claims they are only expanding who can be a LEO in Colorado. However, they are also attempting to claim those new people have powers currently only delegated to Sheriffs, State police, and municipal authorities. That I do not see them having authority to do.
“No such federal authority exists, despite what CO’s political tyrants wish. The Sheriff has every right to deputize citizens and use necessary force to defend themselves. They are the HIGHEST law enforcement authority in their respective jurisdiction.”
This is indeed the case in the common law that has always governed our land going back to the days of England. The fact that the western sheriff is directly elected by the people only serves to underline his sovereign authority in the practical matter of law enforcement.
A sheriff by virtue of his office is NOT required to enforce any law he deems unconstitutional, whether that law is state, federal, or local in nature. Indeed he is duty (& in many cases oath) bound to appose such enforcement.
That is his job, and that is why in the western states he is elected as a Representative of the people in their sovereign law enforcement capacity.
In this way the sheriff in a more general sense is very much like the jury, and just one more check in what is suppose to be a long line of checks designed to help protect our rights.
Almost correct. In many states the local Medical Examiner, aka County Coroner, is the ultimate LEO. He/She has the power to file warrants and arrest the County Sheriff.
This is based on the evidentiary ability of autopsies.