The Office of the Sheriff is historically traceable to Alfred the Great in late 9th century Anglo-Saxon England.

The jail was built as an addition to the rear of the county courthouse located in Mineola, NY.

The jail consisted of multiple floors and wings which provided separate housing for men and women.

In 1915, the Nassau County Sheriff's Department played a pivotal part in the implementation of a public safety telecommunications system devised by Charles A Ryder of the New York Telephone Company.

This system enabled law enforcement throughout the county to easily and effectively communicate pertinent information regarding reported crimes in progress with one another.

In 1925 due to rising concerns for public safety the Nassau County Police Department was founded.

[15] The Division of Enforcement is staffed by deputy sheriffs who are sworn NYS Certified Police Officers pursuant to Article 1.20 Subsection 34(B) of the states Criminal Procedure Law.

This includes the execution of warrants, the discovery and seizure of property, the serving of civil process, and to conduct evictions.

[18] The Nassau County Sheriff's Department employs both non-uniformed and uniformed civilians (Non-Law Enforcement).

Since the establishment of the Nassau County Sheriff's Department, 4 officers have died in the line of duty.