In medieval England, the senior law enforcement figure in a county was __________, who is today referred to as a sheriff.

The term "Shire Reeve" refers to the senior law enforcement official in a medieval English county, serving as the precursor to the modern-day sheriff. The Shire Reeve was responsible for maintaining law and order, collecting taxes, and overseeing the administration of justice within the shire, which was a significant area in the feudal system. This role laid the foundation for the contemporary function of sheriffs, highlighting the continuity and evolution of law enforcement terminology and responsibilities over the centuries.

In contrast, a constable was typically a lower-ranking officer responsible for the maintenance of peace and order within a specific locality, but did not have the same authority or jurisdiction as the Shire Reeve. A peacemaker usually refers to someone who promotes peace and reconciliation, but not in an official law enforcement capacity. A watch commander typically oversees a police shift or specific unit, which is a more modern concept and differs from the historical role of the Shire Reeve.