Sheriff offices in District of Columbia are independently elected county agencies responsible for law enforcement, jail operations, and civil process service. Each county in District of Columbia elects its own sheriff, who serves as the chief law enforcement officer for that county's unincorporated areas.
District of Columbia residents should note that sheriff offices handle civil law enforcement functions — such as serving eviction notices and foreclosure papers — in addition to criminal law enforcement, so the sheriff office is often the correct point of contact for civil legal matters at the county level.
If you are a District of Columbia resident looking to obtain a concealed carry permit, request a background check clearance letter, or serve legal documents through official channels, your county sheriff office is the starting point — contact them directly to confirm required documentation and current processing times.