Section 5. If, by reason of illness, absence, interest or otherwise, the sheriff is unable to perform his official duties, they shall be performed by the special sheriff, and compensation therefor, if not otherwise provided for, shall be paid by the sheriff. During a vacancy in the office of sheriff, the special sheriff, first giving bond as required of the sheriff, shall perform all the duties of the sheriff, and the deputies of the former sheriff shall continue to exercise the powers of deputy sheriffs.
Structure Massachusetts General Laws
Part I - Administration of the Government
Title VI - Counties and County Officers
Section 3 - Deputies; Appointment; Oath
Section 4 - Special Sheriff; Appointment; Oath; Bond; Powers
Section 5 - Special Sheriffs; Powers and Duties
Section 7 - Failure to Post Bond; Penalty
Section 8 - Suits on Bonds of Sheriffs
Section 9 - Copies of Sheriff's Bonds; Source; Use as Evidence
Section 10 - Suits Against Sheriff; Procedure for Satisfying Judgment
Section 11 - Duties of Sheriffs and Deputies; Service of Precepts
Section 12 - Duties of Sheriffs and Deputies; Service of Demands, Notices and Citations
Section 13 - Powers and Duties; Requisition of Aid
Section 14 - Service of Writs and Precepts After Removal
Section 15 - Service of Writs Against the Sheriff or Deputies
Section 16 - Attendance at Sessions of Courts
Section 21 - Traveling Expenses
Section 21a - Travel Vouchers or Other Verification of Travel Expenses
Section 22 - Accounting of Fees; Disposition of Funds
Section 24 - Transportation of Prisoners or Persons in Custody; Sheriffs' Duties
Section 25 - Transportation of Prisoners or Persons in Custody; Costs; Appropriations; Report