National Sheriffs' Association

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National Sheriffs' Association
Type	Trade Association
Founded	1940
Headquarters	Alexandria, VA
Area served	United States
Focus	Professional development, congressional advocacy
Method	Annual conferences, Sheriff magazine, media attention, technical assistance, trainings and seminars
Website	www.sheriffs.org

The National Sheriffs' Association (NSA) is a U.S. trade association dedicated to raising the level of professionalism among U.S. sheriffs, their deputies and others in the fields of criminal justice and public safety. Since its founding in 1940, NSA has been the one voice of the nation's sheriffs in Washington, D.C. As one of the largest law enforcement organizations in the country, NSA is the leading advocate on law enforcement, criminal justice and public safety issues. Its Government Affairs Division, in conjunction with the Legislative Affairs Committee, develops the Association's policy positions and represents the Association before the United States Congress, the White House, and the various federal agencies.

A sheriff generally serves as the highest, usually elected, law enforcement officer of a county. Over 99% of the nation's sheriffs are elected. The political election of a person to serve as a law enforcement leader is a uniquely American tradition. The practice has been followed in the British Channel Island of Jersey since at least the 16th Century.

1 Purpose
2 History
3 Key Programs
4 Leadership
5 See also
6 External links

[edit] Purpose

The NSA provides resources, technical assistance, opportunities for professional development, information, congressional advocacy, to criminal justice practitioners. Its annual conferences provide networking opportunities, training and seminars for those in the field it serves. Chartered in 1940, the NSA represents over 3,000 elected sheriffs nationwide and has a membership of over 22,000. Its headquarters is in Alexandria, Virginia.

[edit] History

The Articles of Incorporation for NSA were filed on September 26, 1940, with the Ohio Secretary of State.

The National Sheriffs' Association badge has heraldic significance. The shield denotes defense, protection, and faith. The mace denotes authority. The olive wreath denotes peace. The circle surrounding the emblem denotes eternity. The five points of the star denote friendship, guidance, honesty, integrity, and merit.

[edit] Key Programs

Neighborhood Watch is one of the oldest and most effective crime prevention programs in the country, bringing citizens together with law enforcement to deter crime and make communities safer. Sponsored by the National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA), Neighborhood Watch can trace its roots back to the days of colonial settlements, when night watchmen patrolled the streets. The modern version of Neighborhood Watch was developed in response to requests from sheriffs and police chiefs who were looking for a crime prevention program that would involve citizens and address an increasing number of burglaries. Launched in 1972, Neighborhood Watch counts on citizens to organize themselves and work with law enforcement to keep a trained eye and ear on their communities, while demonstrating their presence at all times of day and night. (The program took off quickly: in just ten years, NSA data showed that 12 percent of the population was involved in a Neighborhood Watch.)

[edit] Leadership

Its Executive Director is Aaron D. Kennard, former President of NSA and sheriff of Salt Lake County, Utah. The 2007-2008 President of the Association is Sheriff Craig Webre of Lafourche Parish, Louisiana.