The Office of the Sheriff stands as a cornerstone of Bucks County's public safety infrastructure, serving as the county's chief law enforcement officer. More than just a title, the Sheriff and their dedicated deputies embody a commitment to maintaining peace, ensuring order, and upholding the law within our community. Their duties are comprehensive and vital, ranging from the critical task of transporting individuals for court appearances and enforcing court-ordered commitments of incarceration to the essential services of serving civil process, executing bench warrants, and enforcing judicial mandates. They are also empowered to quell disturbances, assist other law enforcement agencies, and, ultimately, keep the peace for all Bucks County residents.

A Legacy Rooted in Pennsylvania's History

The role of the Sheriff is deeply embedded in the fabric of American law enforcement, with a history stretching back centuries. Proudly, its earliest roots in this nation can be traced right here to Pennsylvania. This enduring legacy speaks to the fundamental principles of self-governance and community protection that the Office of the Sheriff represents.

The year 1634 marked the introduction of the Office of the Sheriff to the new American colonies, with Virginia taking the lead. Pennsylvania soon followed, establishing this crucial role within its own framework. In 1682, a pivotal moment arrived when William Penn, our founder and Governor, appointed Richard Noble as the very first Sheriff of Bucks County.

For many years thereafter, the selection process involved local justices nominating three individuals annually to the Governor, who would then choose one to serve as Sheriff. A significant step towards local control occurred in 1838 when the Constitution established the Sheriff as a purely elected officer, directly accountable to the people of Bucks County. This ensured that the individual entrusted with this vital role would be a resident of our county and a citizen for at least a year prior to their election. Interestingly, early regulations even specified that a Sheriff could not operate or reside in a tavern, highlighting the importance of their dedicated focus on law enforcement.

To effectively carry out their extensive responsibilities, the Sheriff appoints dedicated deputies who work tirelessly to serve our community. Furthermore, the Sheriff holds the unique authority of "Posse Comitatus," a power that allows them to call upon any resident of the county over the age of 15 to assist in maintaining peace, pursuing criminals, and upholding the law when necessary.

The Sheriff's Office Today

The Bucks County Sheriff's Office operates as a professional and highly responsive law enforcement agency, providing 24-hour service to ensure the safety and security of our citizens.

Our 75+ Deputy Sheriffs are engaged in a wide array of activities on any given day. They diligently serve civil process, conduct investigations, and apprehend individuals with outstanding warrants. They are responsible for the secure transportation of prisoners, ensuring their safe and timely appearance in court. Crucially, they also play a vital role in assisting the public and collaborating with our local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies - including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Marshal Service - to address community needs and concerns.

Within the Bucks County Justice Center, our dedicated deputies maintain the security of our courts, escort prisoners, ensure the custody of defendants as ordered by the court, and manage the holding cells. The Sheriff's Office also provides the critical service of extraditing fugitives across state lines, ensuring that justice can be served regardless of location.

The Sheriff and their deputies possess full law enforcement authority, empowered to make arrests with or without a warrant for any breach of peace or criminal activity within the Commonwealth. They serve as active investigating officers within the county, working diligently to protect our residents and uphold the rule of law.

The Bucks County Sheriff's Office is proud to provide essential law enforcement services to the citizens of Bucks County, operating around the clock to assure the highest quality of public safety for our community.

Our Mission Statement

"The Bucks County Sheriff's Office is the highest level of law enforcement in our County. Therefore, our Office has dedicated itself to provide superior services in our criminal and civil divisions through innovative programs and a professional, dedicated and inspired staff. In addition, we continually seek ways to provide additional services to our community through outreach and prevention programs which will improve the quality of life of the citizens of our County."