In those counties with a strong sheriff, their selection is a critical consideration.
I didn’t mean to jump as vehemently as I did. You obviously know the difference which is a good thing.
However, not everyone does. I’ve seen many a freeper espouse the Posse Commitatus (the group, not the act) nonsense that the county sheriff is the ultimate political and law enforcement power in his/her jurisdiction. Which as we’ve been through, is not the case.
Even in my state, TX, it’s not the case. The Texas Rangers have jurisdiction over all other local law enforcement. One of their duties is to investigate complaints against county law enforcement.