Complex sentence: Distinctive in law enforcement in the United States, sheriffs are usually elected; many states (such as California), however, have state laws requiring that a person possess certain law enforcement qualifications before being able to run for the office.
Split into simpler sentences: Distinctive in law enforcement in the United States, sheriffs are usually elected. While the position of a County Sheriff is typically an elected one within the United States, many states (such as California) have state laws requiring that a person possess certain law enforcement qualifications before being able to run for the office.