My original question was based on a lifetime of observation as a PA resident and current federal LEO. I keep hearing they are trying to push for Sheriffs to have more LE authority, but have heard it for years. I actually think it’s a great idea, if for nothing more then strictly more rural counties. What always struck me as weird though is that they don’t even run the jails, and I’ve heard in random counties they do functional as patrol officers and answer 911 calls(which I can’t confirm first hand; counties like Tioga for example).

Additionally hearing information like what another poster here stated(that his sheriffs dept in pa runs the jail)which would suggest legally they can(patrol, 911 responce and run county jail) yet we keep hearing debates over legal authority, roles, historical and current, their certification vs Act 120(municipal police certification), etc. All of which feeds back into why is this not much more common, as in most other states, or at the very least more widespread?