What is a Constitutional Sheriff?
By Sheriff Mike Raines (Retired)
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What is a Constitutional Sheriff? I have been asked this many times over the years and here are my thoughts on this question.
A Constitutional Sheriff is a law enforcement leader who understands that protecting the rights of the people is his utmost duty. He knows that his allegiance is not to any branch of government or any executive therein, but to the blindfolded lady holding the scales. Politics and political correctness have been responsible for removing the blindfold from the face of Lady Justice, but the Constitutional Sheriff has recognized this subterfuge. He will not go along with this!
The Constitutional Sheriff honors his Oath of Office, he considers it sacred and does his best to keep it. To him, the rights of the people come first.
Constitutional Sheriffs are not robots nor are they the strong arm of government. Most assuredly, they are not revenue agents for the government. They understand the Constitution and its origin, its history, and the intent of those who penned it. They know and understand the Rule of Law, integrity is an essential part of this. They are committed to follow standards of morality and decency despite the pressures to go along with trends that have blurred these lines.
Constitutional Sheriffs have a fundamental belief in the sanctity of life. They have compassion and a keen sense of fairness. These sheriffs have the intestinal fortitude to stand and confront law breakers, regardless of who they are. No one, not even government or elected officials, are above the law. He does all this with no arrogance, no bias, and no prejudice.
Constitutional Sheriffs believe that duty, honor, and accountability are paramount. They have self control and will not let their emotions dictate their actions in the performance of their duties. They have the wisdom and ability to deescalate the most tense situation. They strive to go the extra mile and put the safety and well being of others before their own. They serve the people with pride and professionalism.
To Constitutional Sheriffs, it is an honor to wear the badge. They are proud to be called "Constitutional" and they are proud to be called "Sheriff." Both are terms of historic significance. The news media, politicians, and many government and police officials, and even some sheriffs, have tried to characterize Constitutional Sheriffs as a "threat." But please allow me to ask; how does following the Constitution pose a threat to anyone?
Yes, I totally understand how enforcing the Constitution may pose a threat to those who do not or who willfully oppose it. Nevertheless, we have all sworn an oath to uphold, defend, and obey the United States Constitution. If we fail to keep our word WE become the problem and are worse than those we put in our cuffs or jails. The Constitution is Law and is the Supreme Law. Just how does a Constitutional Sheriff pose any sort of threat to society in any manner?
If keeping a solemn oath to protect and defend the Constitution from "all enemies, both foreign and domestic" is somehow extreme or radical, then by all means, count me in! I believe it was Senator Barry Goldwater who said, "Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice, and moderation in pursuit of justice is no virtue."
If keeping a solemn oath to protect and defend the Constitution from "all enemies, both foreign and domestic" is somehow extreme or radical, then by all means, count me in! I believe it was Senator Barry Goldwater who said, "Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice, and moderation in pursuit of justice is no virtue."
He was right!
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