West Yellowstone City.
This quiet little city, named after Yellowstone National Park, had a permanent population of just over one thousand people.
Due to its limited population, it didn't have its own police department.
There was only a sheriff's office tasked with a series of duties, including daily patrols, criminal investigations, and traffic management.
Within the intricate power structure of the United States Federal Government,
the position of Sheriff was rather unique and nuanced.
A Sheriff was not a public service position but an official elected by the people, possessing a special legal status and function.
Locally, the Sheriff was regarded by the public as the highest-ranking law enforcement officer.
In certain specific situations, their authority even surpassed that of the local police chief.
This special empowerment was meant to better maintain local law and order.
In practice, however, it gave rise to numerous problems.
