Can county police override municipal police?

Answer 1

In almost every state in the United States (with a VERY few exceptions), voters elect a sheriff every two or four years. The county sheriff is almost ALWAYS recognized, by statute and the states constitution, as the "chief law enforcement officer" in the entire county. They have jurisdictional authority over ALL OTHERS in their county.

In contrast, STATE POLICE OFFICERS usually work on their respective state's highways, tollways and on state owned properties. A sheriff's authority is supreme, and they almost always have the authority to assume or otherwise take over ANY investigation anywhere in their county.

In rural parts of some states where a county may only have a sheriff and one or two deputies, the sheriff often relies on the state police/highway patrol to provide more police services to the county's citizens. Also, state police/highway patrols will usually provide resources to any municipal or county law enforcement agency when major crimes, such as homicide, occur.

The FBI does not have authority over investiations into the violation of a state's law. They investigate FEDERAL CRIMES.

FACT: In the state of Missouri, by state law the only person who can arrest the county sheriff is the coroner. And some counties do not even have a coroner.

That is all.

Answer 2

While circumstances vary, it is unlikely.

Clarification: While a county officer or deputy cannot over-rule the decision of a municipal officer, they and their departments ARE authorized to perform law enforcement in the municipality. Their authority is county-wide, anywhere in the county, whereas the municipal officer's authority is valid only within their particular town or city.

Answer 3

No, they do not have that kind of authority, but the State Police DO have jurisdiction and may exercise their authority to enforce the state laws ANYWHERE in the state.