Editing Philadelphia Sheriff (section)

== Contemporary Office ==

The modern Sheriff's Office operates with approximately 200 employees including sworn deputies and civilian staff. The elected Sheriff serves four-year terms and appoints top deputies and administrators. Operations are funded through fees charged for services rather than general tax revenue, creating financial pressures to maintain service volumes.<ref name="sheriff"/>

Rochelle Bilal became Sheriff in 2020, the first woman and first African American woman elected to the position. Her election reflected broader changes in Philadelphia politics while the office continues performing functions largely unchanged from earlier eras. Reform proposals periodically suggest merging Sheriff functions with other agencies, though the constitutional status of the office and political interests in maintaining elected positions have preserved its independence.<ref name="sheriff"/>