The Sheriff’s Act establishes a locally based law-enforcement service available to Queensland councils on a voluntary basis. Under the Act, a Local Government Area may establish a Sheriff’s Office led by a Sheriff appointed by the council or elected by the local community, and staffed by Deputies recruited from within the region.

Sheriffs and Deputies are trained to Queensland Police Service standards and exercise authority only within their Local Government Area. Their functions include the enforcement of local laws, civil court orders, and summary offences, as well as the provision of a visible public-order presence. Powers under the Act do not extend beyond the boundaries of the appointing Local Government Area and do not displace the role of the Queensland Police Service in relation to serious or complex criminal matters.

Where Sheriff’s Officers are first to attend an incident involving a serious offence, they may take lawful action to preserve life, prevent harm, and secure the scene, and must transfer command to the Queensland Police Service in accordance with prescribed protocols. All Sheriff’s Offices operate within State law, under defined operational limits, and in formal coordination with the Queensland Police Service.

Participation in the scheme is voluntary. Funding arrangements are shared between State and local government, and implementation is subject to pilot programs, independent review, and ongoing community oversight to ensure accountability, transparency, and public confidence.