The Highest Law in the Land: How the Unchecked Power of Sheriffs Threatens Democracy

Journalist and attorney Pishko calls for the abolishment of county sheriffs due to their lack of oversight and corruption by the far right. Sheriff’s departments in the United States employ 25 percent of sworn law enforcement officers and make 20 percent of all arrests nationally, but almost all county sheriffs are elected to their powerful roles in low-turnout elections. As part of her research, Pishko interviewed prominent sheriffs in the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association, a group linked to the Oath Keepers, and found allegiance with various vigilante and militia groups. She attended meetings of their supporters, interviewed families of victims, and reviewed sheriffs’ writings. She also provides historical context as part of her argument. The book provides a history of the office, plus chapters on sheriffs’ statements about COVID, gun control, militias, immigration, and elections. This anecdotal approach should be compared with Farris and Holman’s recent The Power of the Badge, which uses surveys, election data, and case studies to make the same points about the lack of accountability.