The word sheriff comes from the English works Shire and Reeve.  Shire means county, and Reeve was an English officer of the justice of peace. 

The Office of Sheriff in Virginia began in Colonial times and has continued to play an important role throughout Virginia's history.  At first the Sheriff was the tax collector as well as the election supervisor, he was also the top law enforcement official.  The sheriff  is a constitutional officer duly elected by the voters of each county or city to serve a 4 year term. 

Richmond County was founded in 1692 and since then there have been 118 sheriffs to serve Richmond County beginning with Sheriff John Stone taking office May 12, 1692 up to the Current Sheriff Doug Bryant, who took office January 1, 2004.  The Sheriff and his staff are responsible for a broad range of public safety operations.  

The Richmond County Sheriff's Office consists of the Sheriff, 1 Captain, 2 Sergeants, 1 Investigator, 1 School Resource Office, 8 Patrol Deputies, 5 Court Bailiffs, 6 Dispatchers, 1 Administrative Staff Specialist, and 1 Secretary.

Since Sheriff Bryant took office we have seen the emergence of 4 new programs and services to help serve the businesses and citizens of Richmond County.

SAFEGUARD

PROJECT LIFESAVER

CRIME STOPPERS

MEALS ON WHEELS

SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER