Each deputy sheriff shall, before entering upon the discharge of his duty, enter into bond in the sum of one thousand dollars, with sufficient surety, to be approved by the sheriff of the county, conditioned for the faithful performance of his duties and for the payment to the county and to any person of all such damages as they or any of them may sustain by reason of his malfeasance in office or abuse of his discretion. He shall, in addition to the oath of office now prescribed by Section 26, of Article III, of the Constitution, take the following oath (or affirmation) to wit: "I further solemnly swear (or affirm) that during my term of office as county deputy, I will study the act prescribing my duties, will be alert and vigilant to enforce the criminal laws of the State and to detect and bring to punishment every violator of them, will conduct myself at all times with due consideration to all persons and will not be influenced in any matter on account of personal bias or prejudice. So help me, God." The form of such bond shall be approved by the county attorney and, with the oaths, shall be filed with and kept by the clerk of court for the county.

A blanket bond may be used in any county to fulfill the bond requirement of this section upon approval of the County Council and the County Attorney.

HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 53-77; 1952 Code Section 53-77; 1942 Code Sections 3488, 3494; 1932 Code Sections 3488, 3494; Civ. C. '22 Sections 2033, 2039; Civ. C. '12 Section 1147; Civ. C. '02 Section 831; G. S. 654; R. S. 714; 1870 (14) 332; 1880 (17) 4; 1912 (27) 865; 1981 Act No. 105, Section 1.