CA State Sheriffs' Assoc. 6.4.0

About CSSA

The California State Sheriffs' Association (CSSA) is a nonprofit professional entity that brings together the 58 elected sheriffs of California along with a diverse community of law-abiding citizens. Established in 1894, the association serves as a unified platform, ensuring that the voices of California's sheriffs are effectively represented. Its mission focuses on the exchange of vital information and provision of resources aimed at enhancing law enforcement services across the state.

Each sheriff actively collaborates with peers through CSSA to refine professional standards and strengthen the law enforcement framework by fostering partnerships with various law enforcement agencies. As Constitutionally elected officials, sheriffs' roles and responsibilities are guided by regulations set forth by the California legislature, positioning them as key stakeholders in public safety. CSSA also serves as a legislative advocate, addressing issues pertinent to both sheriff's personnel and citizens concerning professional law enforcement matters.

To fulfill its objectives, CSSA has articulated several goals:

• To advance knowledge in contemporary law enforcement science and technology, providing relevant educational training to sheriff's personnel.
• To cultivate and uphold programs, policies, and procedures that bolster public trust in the sheriff's capabilities regarding crime detection, prevention, and apprehension.
• To strengthen liaisons with state leadership—including the governor, attorney general, and legislature—addressing the necessary resources and responsibilities that empower sheriffs in their law enforcement duties.
• To collaboratively tackle the distinctive challenges faced by California sheriffs through association meetings and collective problem-solving initiatives.
• To sustain the designation of sheriff as the primary law enforcement authority within each county.

In an effort to amplify the influence of sheriffs, the Associate Membership Program was initiated in 1984. This program provides an avenue for interested law-abiding citizens to join as associate members of the California State Sheriffs' Association.

Our Mission

CSSA is dedicated to supporting sheriffs in their role as chief law enforcement officers within their counties while collectively voicing concerns related to public safety initiatives.