Effectively, yes.
As you note in VA, the Sheriff is ELECTED, and we have the same system in CA, and any qualified candidate may run for the office, LEO experience or training is not necessary or required.
In the November 2011 election, Mirkarimi, an ADA lawyer having never served or trained as a Law Enforcement Officer of any kind before the election, was elected to the office of Sheriff (by ranked choice voting).
He might claim that now, he is a LEO, and he has certainly ordered all his deputies to say that he is.
Thx for the clarification. So, would it be fair to say that Sheriffs are normally LEO’s; but, this is a rather unique case?
Thx again!