Tennessee § 38-3-102 - Duties of sheriff.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 38-3-102 — Duties of sheriff., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 38-3-102. Duties of sheriff.
The sheriff is the principal conservator of the peace in the sheriff's county. It is the sheriff's duty to suppress all affrays, riots, routs, unlawful assemblies, insurrections, or other breaches of the peace, to do which the sheriff may summon to such sheriff's aid as many of the inhabitants of the county as such sheriff thinks proper. It shall be the duty of the sheriffs, in their respective counties, by themselves or deputies, to patrol the roads of the county, to ferret out crimes, to secure evidence of crimes, and to apprehend and arrest criminals. Code 1858, § 4933; Shan., § 6894; Code 1932, § 11418; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 38-202; Acts 2005, ch. 142, § 2. Cross-References. Conservator of peace, § 8-8-213 . Textbooks. Tennessee Criminal Practice and Procedure (Raybin), § 28.119. Tennessee Jurisprudence, 16 Tenn. Juris., Intoxicating Liquors, § 28. Law Reviews. Local Government Law (Clyde L. Ball), 6 Vand. L. Rev. 1206 (1953). Attorney General Opinions. Requirement of local governments to provide police, fire, and medical services. OAG 10-03, 2010 Tenn. AG LEXIS 3 (1/19/10). Sheriff's disregard of chancery court order. OAG 10-120, 2010 Tenn. AG LEXIS 126 (12/30/10).
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 38-3-102
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 38-3-102 cover?
Section 38-3-102 ("Duties of sheriff.") is part of the Tennessee Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Tennessee. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Tennessee § 38-3-102?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 38-3-102" (Tennessee). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Tennessee law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Tennessee official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.
How does Tennessee § 38-3-102 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Tennessee can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Tennessee.