A chapter on the constitutional and legal provisions of the sheriff's office notes that the sheriff is a constitutional officer, whose duties include the enforcement of laws, the arrest of criminal offenders, the service of process, and the return of impartial juries. The appointment of deputies is also explained. An explanation of the sheriff's duties as a law enforcement officer covers the classification of crimes, laws of arrest, and laws of search and seizure. A chapter on the sheriff's duties as an officer of the court covers summons and subpoenas, writs concerning landlord-tenant disputes, attachments on original process and on judgment, writs of fi fa (fieri facias), and emergency petitions and admissions. The chapter on the sheriff's duties as a detention officer explains responsibilities regarding security, protection, health, and inmate rights. Additional sections present an explanation of the role of the Maryland Commission on Correctional Standards, an index of State Attorney General's opinions regarding sheriff's departments, and a glossary.