American law enforcement

[willowman]

What is the difference in America between a Sheriff\'s Department and the Police Department in a city?
In the reality show \"Cops\" both departments seem to work in the same towns and turn up at the same crime scenes.

[Buenchico]

See under 'United States', here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheriff

Chris

[willowman]

Thanks Chris. Have read the info, it still looks a bit confused and overlapping, but as long as it works for them and they catch the bad guys.....good for them.