Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association: Guardians of Liberty at the Local Level

In an era of increasing federal overreach, mandates from distant bureaucracies, and threats to individual liberties, one organization stands as a bulwark for the principles enshrined in the U.S. Constitution: the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association (CSPOA).

Founded in 2011 by former Graham County, Arizona, Sheriff Richard Mack, the CSPOA educates sheriffs, peace officers, public officials, and citizens about the constitutional authority and responsibilities of law enforcement—particularly the vital role of the county sheriff as the highest elected law enforcement officer within their jurisdiction.

Sheriff Mack’s journey to founding the organization traces back to the 1990s, when he and other sheriffs challenged the Clinton administration’s Brady Bill, a federal gun control measure. Refusing to enforce what they viewed as an unconstitutional directive, Mack and his colleagues took the case to the U.S. Supreme Court. In Printz v. United States, the Court ruled in favor of the sheriffs, affirming their duty to uphold the Constitution over conflicting federal commands.

This landmark victory underscored a core tenet of the CSPOA: sheriffs and peace officers swear an oath to support and defend the U.S. and state constitutions. They serve as the first line of defense for the rights of the people in their counties, empowered to check overreach by higher levels of government.

“The sheriff stands as the upholder, defender, protector and servant to the liberties of the people within the county,” the organization states. “In addition to upholding the law, the sheriff is also charged with upholding the supreme law, the Constitution.”

Peace officers, including deputies and other sworn personnel, join sheriffs as “Constitutional Guards” with the shared mission to protect life, liberty, and property. The CSPOA provides training, classes (often offering continuing education credits), webinars, and resources to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and communities while equipping participants to navigate unconstitutional directives—from past examples like lockdowns and masking mandates to ongoing concerns over gun control, immigration enforcement, and other policies.

Why the CSPOA Matters for Constitutional Rights

America’s founders designed a system of divided powers and checks and balances, reserving significant authority to the states and localities through the Tenth Amendment. The CSPOA emphasizes that sheriffs, as locally elected officials accountable directly to the people they serve, are uniquely positioned to interpose against tyranny and restore balance.

In counties across the nation, constitutional sheriffs refuse to enforce laws or orders they deem unconstitutional, prioritizing the Bill of Rights and the rule of law over political pressure. This approach fosters trust between citizens and law enforcement, counters “badge heavy” attitudes, and upholds the slogan “To Protect and Serve.”

Former Sheriff Richard Mack provides a lesson on the Purpose of Government through a Video on the CSPOA.org website.

As Sheriff Mack and the CSPOA often note, understanding and defending our God-given Constitution is more critical now than ever. With challenges ranging from federal intrusions to local governance issues, the organization calls on Americans to support sheriffs who honor their oaths and to join the effort—through their “Posse” membership and local engagement—to preserve liberty for future generations.

Some left-leaning organizations have labeled the CSPOA as an extremist and dangerous organization. CSPOA describes itself as a non-partisan educational organization focused on reminding sheriffs and peace officers of their oath to the Constitution. It emphasizes:

• The sheriff’s historical role as the chief law enforcement officer accountable to the people in the county.

• Protecting life, liberty, and property against overreach by any level of government.

• Training on constitutional principles, not violence or supremacy.

They argue that enforcing the supreme law (the Constitution) is the opposite of extremism—it is fidelity to the founding document. Mack and others point to Printz v. United States (1997) as validating limits on federal commandeering of local officers. Supporters see the "extremist" label as a smear by groups that favor centralized power and seek to discredit local resistance to policies on guns, immigration, elections, or mandates.

Shasta County Sheriff Michael L. Johnson lists "the protection of life, property, and Constitutional rights of our citizens" in his office's mission statement; however, it is not known whether he is a member of the CSPOA.

For more information, visit the official website at cspoa.org. The CSPOA offers resources, training opportunities, and ways for citizens to get involved in restoring constitutional governance “one county at a time.”

In Shasta County and across the North State, vigilance in upholding these principles remains essential to safeguarding the freedoms we hold dear—faith, family, and country.