Oath Keepers want sheriffs back as top cop

[The Straight Story]

Oath Keepers want sheriffs back as top cop


By MATT GOURAS, Associated Press Writer Matt Gouras, Associated Press Writer – Mon May 31, 5:50 am ET

HELENA, Mont. – For Rex Nichols, the right person to guard against unrestrained federal power encroaching on the rural northwestern Montana county he calls home is a figure straight out of the old West — the aggressive, no-nonsense sheriff.

The retired police officer and investment adviser intends to make that a reality, joining at least a dozen candidates in other states running for office on an intepretation of the Constitution they say means the sheriff is the highest law enforcer in the land, even above federal agents.

"Frankly if he wants to, the sheriff can probably do more for the Constitution and protecting the people than anyone else," Nichols said.

The candidates are part of a loosely organized nationwide movement called the Oath Keepers, which is enlisting law enforcement and military personnel to vow to refuse 10 orders they say are unconstitutional, from confiscating guns to warrantless searches.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100531/ap_on_re_us/us_oath_keepers

[Javaman]

1. Maybe Andy Taylor is available...

Oh wait, he never carried a gun.

[pinboy3niner]

4. Barney Fife has a gun...

and a bullet in his pocket! :)

[TexasObserver]

2. The OAF Keepers is more accurate.

[yella_dawg]

3. Matt Dillon can handle anything.

Where's Chester when you need him?

[jody]

5. Sheriffs are usually elected directly by voters while other chief law enforcement officers are

appointed by politicians.

They are always the highest law enforcement officer of a county and commander of militia in that county.

By federal law, the militia includes all males 17-45 and in some states the militia includes all residents from 17-64.

State laws define when and how the militia can be used and the pertinent part is the "unorganized militia". The organized militia includes people on active or serving in guard units.

Sheriffs are indeed extremely powerful although one can argue about the extent of their power.

In a crisis where government breaks down, a sheriff could easily be the supreme law in a county until a functioning government is reestablished.