The world’s first sheriff was a reeve, a 9th century English serfs’ choice of a social and governmental guardian that stood between them and the local shire king. What was the serfs’ guardian soon became the king’s law enforcement agent, known as a shire-reeve.
The shire-reeve was also the beginning of the oldest, continuing, non-military law enforcement agency in the world. The name was eventually shortened to sheriff, and in England it gradually became largely a ceremonial office.
However, by then the British Empire had spread the concept of a sheriff around the globe. In America it became a hybrid office — reclaiming its democratic roots as far as being elected by those they serve, but kept the duties of enforcing laws. This evolution was a state-by-state process, which is why there are slight differences in sheriff’s duties and elections between the states.
In Idaho, the sheriff and his officers’ duties are to preserve the peace, prevent and suppress threats to peace, arrest and take to court those that violate the laws, appear in court as needed, serve notices and maintain and run the jail. They are elected for a four-year term and serve all the citizens of the county, even if they live in a city that has a local police department.
The difference between a police department and a sheriff’s office is reflected in their names. A department is an appointed branch of local government, but an office is appointed by the people through an election.
In Bingham County, there are two candidates running for sheriff in the GOP primary. Both were asked to answer the following question in 150 words or less, “What, specifically, do you want to accomplish as sheriff and why are you qualified to do so?” Their responses are listed in alphabetical order.
Jimmy Barbre“I love my community and I want to serve it the best way I can. I see an opportunity to help improve the relationship between the sheriff department and the citizens. I would like to bring some fresh ideas to the office. As an 18-year veteran at the Pocatello Police Department, I understand what it takes to make the relationship work between law enforcement and the people we serve. I did that on the streets and as a school resource officer.
Like you, I want a safe place to live and raise my family. We need to be more actively involved in every community with patrols, community service and activities. I’d like to see what funding we can save to improve the services we provide. I would like to create a trust with the public that will foster safer neighborhoods. Keeping the peace is my priority.”
Jeff Gardner“As sheriff, I strive to improve public safety in Bingham County by updating critical technology and fostering strong community relations. With 28 years of law enforcement experience, including nine as chief deputy and my current time as sheriff, I bring knowledge and proven leadership.
My training consists of an Idaho POST management certificate, completion of the National Association of County Leadership Academy, and completion of the FBI Leadership Academy. Serving on the Rocky Mountain Information Network and the Idaho POST Council, plus chairing the Sheriff’s Association Civil Committee, I’ve built a foundation for effective collaboration with other county departments.
I commit to ensuring our sheriff’s office remains well-rounded, equipped with modern tools, and staffed by capable leaders. I am dedicated to ensuring that those in the sheriff’s offices and I are approachable. I work closely with other agencies to maintain a safe and trusting community for all our residents.”
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