The Homeland Security Department announced Wednesday that it had appointed a new assistant secretary to serve as a liaison between state and local law enforcement and DHS policy makers — a new position in the policy directorate.

From intelligence fusion centers to border protection, many of DHS’ largest programs depend on coordination with state and local law enforcement, department officials say. 

DHS hopes that Edmund M. “Ted” Sexton, the department’s first assistant secretary for state and local law enforcement, will improve that cooperation. 

Sexton will leave his post as sheriff of Tuscaloosa County, Ala., a post that he has held for almost two decades. He has also served as president of the National Sheriffs’ Association and was recognized last year as their outstanding sheriff of the year.