Shirriffs

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Shirrifs were the sole law enforcement officials in the Shire. Where, in a society where the law is based solely on common sense and ancient tradition, therefore not broken, the occupation is an especially easy one. That is the case with Shirrifs, whose job it was to protect from trespassers more than anything. There were a total of twelve in all of the Shire, three in each Farthing, and were distinguished from "civilians" by a feather worn in their caps. The only time this number was any larger was from two circumstances. The first, less serious, was the 'Special Constabulary' power, where hobbits were deputized into patrolling the borders, which were called 'Bounders'.

The second was when Saruman had infiltrated the Shire, and had taken control, with the help of footpads and shady characters like Bill Ferny. Saruman had increased the number to supress any revolting, though that was not enough to prevent Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin, and others from liberating the Shire-folk.