Abbreviation AACSO Operations jurisdiction* State of Maryland, USA | Formed 1650 Population 510,878 | |
 | ||
Legal personality Governmental: Government agency Size 588 square miles (1,520 km) | ||
The Anne Arundel County Sheriff's Office (AASO) is the law enforcement arm of the court, serving the citizens of Anne Arundel County, Maryland. All deputy sheriffs are certified law enforcement officials with full authority of arrest.
Contents
History
The AASO was organized in 1650. John Norwood was appointed the first Sheriff and was paid in pounds of tobacco for services rendered (e.g., serving any writ such as a warrant, tending prisoners, collecting taxes, etc.). In 1776, with the formation of the Maryland Constitution, the Sheriff became an elected position with an initial term lasting one year. The term was then changed to three years, then two, and finally four years in 1926 where it remains today.
Duties
The duties of the AASO are to enforce writs of the court, maintain the county warrants, extradite prisoners from foreign jurisdictions, transport prisoners between holding facilities and the courts, and maintain courtroom decor. The AASO is also charged with assisting other law enforcement agencies as needed.
Organization
The AASO is divided into two bureaus:
Fallen officers
Since the establishment of the Anne Arundel County Sheriff's Office, one officer has died while on duty.