Public Official Bonds
Public Official bonds are required by statute for certain holders of public office. These bonds protect the public from malfeasance by an official or from an official’s failure to faithfully perform duties. While these duties may vary by position and applicable law, a public official is obligated to act in the public’s best interest at all times and will be held personally accountable, with few exceptions, for the duties and responsibilities of that position. In most cases, these bonds are required in order for an individual to hold office.
Public officials who may require surety bonds include:
- Treasurers and employees
- Tax collectors and employees
- Postal workers
- Town supervisors
- Sheriffs, deputies and constables
- Judges and court clerks
Public official bonds may be required by states, cities, towns, villages and municipalities, state colleges, universities, school districts, sheriff’s departments, court offices and the federal government.