Who can lawfully perform the same duties imposed on a sheriff?

The answer is correct because a deputy sheriff is specifically authorized to perform the same duties as the elected sheriff. In the structure of law enforcement, the deputy operates under the sheriff's direction and authority, often having similar responsibilities including enforcing laws, conducting investigations, serving warrants, and handling other law enforcement duties.

The role of a deputy is explicitly outlined within the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, detailing their powers and the responsibilities that they can carry out as an extension of the sheriff's authority. This provision helps maintain continuity and effectiveness in law enforcement within a given jurisdiction, allowing deputies to step in when the sheriff is unable to fulfill those duties.

While other roles such as assistants, lieutenants, and officers may hold various responsibilities in law enforcement, they do not possess the formal legal authority to act in the same capacity as a sheriff without being designated as a deputy. Thus, their duties, while potentially significant, are distinct and may not encompass all the responsibilities typically aligned with a sheriff's position.