Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio won again.
The 80-year-old Arpaio won a sixth term, setting a record as the county’s longest sitting sheriff. And if Arpaio has his way, and he usually does, he’ll be elected to a seventh term.
No doubt the Democrats will give it their best shot to depose Arpaio, but if history repeats itself, the Democrats will once again bring a knife to a gunfight and Arpaio will be re-elected and talking about an eighth term.
While the anti-Arpaio crowd are touting the sheriff’s winning by only 7 percent of the vote, he won fair and square and now has four more years to campaign and raise money for 2016. He’s already been working at reinventing himself as a kinder and gentler Joe who has said he wants to reach out to the Hispanic community, a community that has had a less than harmonious relationship with the man who invaded neighborhoods looking for undocumented workers.
His olive branch effort might not play well in the barrio, but it’ll play just fine with supporters who will tout his outreach efforts and his toughness on crime. It’s a win-win for the county’s puppet master.
In this last election almost 680,000 of Maricopa County’s approximately one million eligible voters saw fit to return Arpaio to office. Even though the sheriff only provides policing services to around 7 percent of the county’s nearly four million residents, Arpaio’s fans see him as saving them from crime and evil even though the vast majority of residents get their police services from city departments. If you don’t end up in jail most county residents will never encounter the sheriff and his deputies.
Arpaio has been more of a circus ringmaster than lawman the past two decades. He has a list of professional and organizational failures that would probably fill dozens of filing cabinets. He spends our tax money like a drunken sailor, according to a May 2012 study conducted by the Pinal County Office of Management and Budget, yet Old Joe has the lowest law enforcement costs per capita of all the county sheriffs in Arizona. MCSO comes in at $18 while Paul Babeu, his Pinal County protégé, comes in at $80.
Sure the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office has gotten plenty of bad press and no doubt has caused a considerable amount of pain and suffering. But the MCSO doesn’t have an exclusive on questionable and failed policing practices.
While it’s been heavily reported MCSO botched over 400 sex crimes cases, according to a June 28, 2011 report by ABC15, the Phoenix police department may have mishandled hundreds of sex crimes investigations. And what about the recent ABC15 report -- http://evtnow.com/4rz -- that Phoenix is sitting on over 1,500 untested sexual assault kits while Tempe police are sitting on almost 400 untested kits? How many rapists and child molesters may have gone free because of Phoenix and Tempe’s failure to properly follow up on a sex crime? By comparison, MCSO now tests all of their sexual assault evidence kits and has no untested kits sitting on a shelf.
And when it comes to crime statistics, Maricopa County’s crime rate is 40 felony crimes per 1,000 according to a study by the Arizona Republic, http://www.azcentral.com/news/cityguides/. Phoenix’s serious crime rate is 50 per 1,000 and Tempe’s is almost 60 per 1,000.
But you don’t see the protesters who have targeted Arpaio raising cane at Phoenix and Tempe city council meetings demanding action over the failures of their police chiefs.
Arpaio is the sheriff who is either, loved, hated or tolerated by the voters of Maricopa County, just like most other politicians. And until the voters of Maricopa County decide to dump him or he retires, Arpaio’s the sheriff and he still runs the county.
Retired Mesa master police officer Bill Richardson lives in the East Valley and can be reached at bill.richardson@cox.net.
bfgair posted at 10:31 pm on Thu, Nov 29, 2012.
Sherriff Joe is like having Alzheimer's. You can't remember when you got it. Why you got it. How to get rid of it. but the worst thing of all is you know you don't want it. Hopefully in the next 4 years the public will get tired of his ego and find someone that CAN really do the job with out all of the selfserving press conferances and headline grabbing acts.
Yes he has done a lot of good for the people of Maricopa county but none of it with out the circus tents and vaudville acts that he seems to need. A true ledgend in his own mind.
Thas1 posted at 11:22 pm on Thu, Nov 29, 2012.
Botched police department? Let's talk the "Elliget case" in the Mesa Police Dept.
You remember Mesa Police Departments "most decorated officer" don't you Bill?
Let's go back to the early 1990's and see police dept. cover up and internal corruption at it's most filthy .....
....C'mon Bill you were right there....And so was I ....
billrichardson posted at 6:01 am on Fri, Nov 30, 2012.
Thas1,
I remember the corruption, misconduct and ineffective policing practices at the MPD quite well. They existed until serious changes were made at the top. You forgot to mention the coverup of the case involving the police captain who fired his weapon one night. John D'Anna then a Tribune reporter exposed it. When you've been around police corruption and incompetence it makes it much easier to recognize in other departments. Thanks for taking the time to read my column and make comments.
Dale Whiting posted at 9:01 am on Fri, Nov 30, 2012.
Perhaps the greatest indightment against Sheriff Joe was the flight good jailors undertook after he changed policies. I knew one who returned to his home state after seeing what Joe was demanding his jailors do to inmates. And haven't we citizens had to pay for Sheriff Joe's indiscretions in treating prisoners, sending a few to death?
Is Sheriff Joe the devil? NO! But he close!
Spamola5 posted at 9:16 am on Fri, Nov 30, 2012.
[beam] Just wonder how accurate these crime labs are as i am disabled was going to slow was stopped by police, did not no my rights, 105 pd women doubled handcuffed, searched my car like i was a drug dealer, 8 months later my test came back medication i do not take, think the cop was covering he,s no rights.Had to plead guilty, to something that was not right. Had to serve a 24 hrs in lower buckeye , it was awful,have never been to Jail, there were 25 women in one cell no place to lay your head, the funny part is they said to bring a flashlight, thought we were going to the tents, they never looked in side could have brought drugs in.They treated everyone the same like a dog. But is was not Sheriff Joe that sent me there the court did. One thing i can say is the Sheriff Posses is the best as when my youngest son was lost in superstition Mountains they were there on a dime all night there were helicopters , men and women who volunteer there time, there were dogs, horseback , I was and so Grateful to these caring people who found my son,and other that were with him So Thank You, There are Good Police and Bad police, just like churches, and so forth. Tell you what i do not want to go back to jail scared straight, they do need to treat people more human, we are not dogs, and a lot of people are innocent.
Arizona Willie posted at 10:41 am on Fri, Nov 30, 2012.
What a hypocritical MF.
For months and months the EVT allowed this author to spew his bile about Arpaio and sex crimes etc. etc.
Now that he lost and Arpaio got re-elected he wants to cozy up and admit that other Arizona police departments HAVE WORSE RECORDS.But he would never admit that during his crusade against Arpaio.I posted many times that I would like to see comparison figures between Arpaio's record and the record of other Sheriff's departments and other Valley police departments.Looks like I was on to something.
Arpaio IS NOT the WORST lawman in the state.
Local police departments have much worse records but the author would never admit that before.
Accuracy posted at 1:18 pm on Fri, Nov 30, 2012.
Again… Dale Whiting posted his “Sheriff Joe” hate.
Despite all of the rebuttals about his anti-Latino practices, the voters in Arizona’s Maricopa County did convincingly re-elected Sheriff Joe Arpaio, the “toughest sheriff” in America.
Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Maricopa County Arizona, and sheriffs throughout the nation, are the highest law enforcement officers in the county because they are the only ones elected by the people. The elected sheriff’s position overrides any federal agency or even the arrogant FBI agents who attempt to assume jurisdiction over cases.
Masterrogue666 posted at 1:25 pm on Fri, Nov 30, 2012.
MCSO, under Joe's guidance, has done many POSITIVE THINGS for its citizens, and I believe they have one of the lowest recidivism rates too....
VofReason posted at 1:31 pm on Fri, Nov 30, 2012.
Maybe Bill Richardson should toss his hat in the ring. I am guessing it would be next to a D. That way, the people will have a real chice in the next election. I keep getting back to the same place with all the sex crimes stuff, what benefit does it serve for any of these Police Departments not to do something about these if there is something to be done? Why would they do this? Am I missing something?
tededitedit posted at 8:34 pm on Fri, Nov 30, 2012.
I don't love him. I don't hate him. I like the way he seems to look for any level of lawbreaker anywhere in the county, so I think MCSO serves the whole county. I wish more law enforcement agencies would be more proactive. A good example of this is copper theft. Go after the shady scrapyards. Go after the drug addicts that need to steal copper daily to support their habit. I don't like the way Sheriff Joe grandstands, but he's surely not the only one who does that. His choice to highlight illegals targets him for criticism from 'leaders' of 'causes'.
One more thing Bill; how does MCSO compare regionally in terms of how 'top heavy' their staff is?
billrichardson posted at 9:22 pm on Fri, Nov 30, 2012.
tededitedit,
I don't have a precise number on the brass level at MCSO.
chatmandu002 posted at 10:21 pm on Fri, Nov 30, 2012.
Go Sheriff Joe, enforce all the laws all the time.
Leon Ceniceros posted at 5:31 am on Sat, Dec 1, 2012.
HOW MANY ..."VENDETTA" ...COLUMNS FROM THIS GUEST COMMENTATOR AGAINST MARICOPA COUNTY SHERIFF JOE ARPAIO HAVE WE SEEN IN THE EAST VALLEY TRIUBUNE.
THE "BILE" NEVER ENDS.
AND IF THAT WASN'T DISGUSTING ENOUGH BY ITSELF....THE ..."VENDETTA"....AGAINST PINAL COUNTY SHERIFF PAUL BABEU IS ENOUGH TO MAKE A "NORMAL" PERSON PUKE.
SORRY BILL BUT THE GOOD PEOPLE OF MARICOPA COUNTY LOVE THEIR...."TOUGHEST SHERIFF IN AMERICA"....SHERIFF JOE ARPAIO.
SAME THING GOES FOR PINAL COUNTY SHERIFF PAUL BABEU....THE VOTERS THINK THE WORLD OF HIM.
TIME TO........"MOVE ON"......BILL......TIME TO....."MOVE ON".
KJDaVinci777 posted at 6:47 pm on Sat, Dec 1, 2012.
Bill, your write up on Evil Joe was factual, somehow some of your readers do not know the difference between legit law enforcement and corruption (corruption that has yet to be prosecuted by the elite FBI and the 5pmUS Atty friday news release).
A sad state of coverups in Arizona....Keep th e faith Evil will not prevail...
Rich posted at 9:26 pm on Sat, Dec 1, 2012.
Every village needs a fool. Joe fulfills the role for the whole valley. That's really impressive.
Bingo6 posted at 7:00 am on Sun, Dec 2, 2012.
To bad the voters voted down the one percent sales tax, because we're going to need it to pay off more wrongful death lawsuits from the biggest gang of mobsters in Arizona the legal tax supported MCSO.
Leon Ceniceros posted at 10:09 am on Sun, Dec 2, 2012.
ALL OF THE COMMENTS BY THE ...."SHERIFF JOE HATERS"....MIGHT HAVE SOME BASIS OF FACT IF IT WASN'T FOR THE VERY SIMPLE FACT THAT.........
THE OVERWHELMING MAJORITY OF THE GOOD CITIZENS OF MARICOPA COUNTY; BLACKS, WHITES, ORIENTALS AND HISPANICS, CATHOLICS, MORMONS, PROTESTANTS, ATHEISTS AND MAYBE A SATANIST (LOL) OR TWO......
VOTED .....SIX (6) TIMES TO RE-ELECT .....JOE ARPAIO.......AS THE MARICOPA COUNTY SHERIFF............SIX TIMES OVER DOZENS OF YEARS.............SIX TIMES OVER DOZENS OF YEARS....MAJORITY OF VOTERS.
GET THE PICTURE.............."HATERS".
KJDaVinci777 posted at 3:19 pm on Sun, Dec 2, 2012.
Leonsincerros: Thanks for pointing out the obvious signs of the DEVIL that YOUR subhuman CORRUPT, evil, crooked, expletive deleted Arpiao has in RELATION TO THE DEVIL-
6-times to re-elect EVIL
6-TIMES OVER A DOZEN YEARS
6-times over dozens 6-6-6 of years...yes Leon, there is a devil above earth and his undercover name is Joe (FILTH)-Arpaio, who as you so elegantly pointed out IS SUPPORTED by the bad,stupid and ugly. You have finally supported what bill has been trying to tell the uneducated voters of M-County...Leon you made our day and our case...you are brilliant - just like Mr. EVIL EMPIRE HIMSELF...BILL you have to thank Leon
Masterrogue666 posted at 6:44 pm on Sun, Dec 2, 2012.
KJDaVinci777: Actually, to a certain religion, the number 666 is HOLY. And no, they don't worship the devil, they worship God. Only narrow minded person consider that ANY 666 is a sign of evil.
KJDaVinci777 posted at 7:14 pm on Sun, Dec 2, 2012.
Thanks for the correction-NOW I know why Arpaio, Obomber, Holder, Pearce, Osama, Ayers, HITLER, Rice, Hillary,and Michelle have 666 engraved in their heartless hearts. Since I AM NOT an anti-Christ like the above named...what religion worships 666?
Masterrogue666 posted at 6:03 am on Mon, Dec 3, 2012.
So, KJDaVinci777, you know without a doubt those person's you name worship the devil? What have I heard about bearing "false witness" against others?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/You_shall_not_bear_false_witness_against_your_neighbor
A classic example of bearing false witness, ever hear about the Salem Witch trials?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salem_witch_trials
Is there a reason you chose "777"?
http://www.ridingthebeast.com/numbers/nu777.php
http://sacredscribesangelnumbers.blogspot.com/2011/12/angel-number-777.html
And, just so I can give "proof" of my claim about "666":
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kabbalistic_Judaism
Bluepoet posted at 11:18 am on Mon, Dec 3, 2012.
I think it's just sad that he was voted in--yet again. I can only surmise that Arizonans who keep voting for this guy, must think it's a Sheriff's job to be on the "cutting edge" of the anti-hero PR image.
Like Wyatt Earp, Joe is nothing more than a thug, with a badge. And, like Wyatt, he's been sheriff long enough now to actually believe his PR. He lost credibility with me, sometime between the tent city, and the pink underwear...
VofReason posted at 1:29 pm on Mon, Dec 3, 2012.
Sorry, has the FBI or Attry Gen or anyone found him of wrongdoing? Or was it just political witch hunts. Yes yes we know they have had to pay for lawsuits from prisoners etc etc. Have you ever met a prisoner who actually did something wrong (in their mind)? You think maybe some of these payouts were because they got a good (slimey) lawyer? So your point is that the people of Maricopa County are dumb and only because Arpaio can pull the wool over our collective eyes does he get re elected. And somehow, the anti Arpaio minority are the only one's who see through this evil plan. Realize how silly this sounds?
Bill in east Mesa posted at 2:28 pm on Mon, Dec 3, 2012.
Let's be clear! Sheriff Joe has never met a camera or a microphone that he didn't fall instantly in love with. But no more so than the President we also just re-elected. Politicans, Joe and Barrack (and all the other politican scum) treat voters like we're stupid. Biggest problem is that we keep proving them correct. And as to immigration, we absolutely need reasonable comprehensive reform but lets get over the idea that they all want to be Americans. Seems to me that during the protests, they don't carry U S flags but Mexican flags. And Mexico tends to get off scot free. The Mexicans I know are good, hard-working people wanting to support their families. The government in Mexico is worse than the U S government (and that's hard to do)
Masterrogue666 posted at 6:33 am on Thu, Dec 6, 2012.
KJDaVinci777: I never claimed to be a member of Kabbalistic Judaism. MY POINT is that you are MAKING JUDGEMENTS (Didn't the bible advise against that?) against people based on numbers. You claim they (I) worship the devil, or belong to certain racist groups, yet have NO PROOF! What does the bible say about bearing false witness against your neighbor?
Didn't Jesus state: "He who is without sin may cast the first stone."? Isn't it interesting how you only follow SPECIFIC parts of the bible? As for the reason I chose to have "666" as part of my screenname has NOTHING to do with whom (or what) I worship. I'd explain how I chose it, but given you EXTREME VIEWS, it would be a waste of my time.
KJDaVinci777 posted at 12:24 pm on Thu, Dec 6, 2012.
Master666- Prejudging 666 worshipers is not my call...I agree: However, when it comes to defending the US Constitution - all bets are off: for example-Joe Arpaio has violated the constitution and FEDERAL STATUES(HOWEVER, HE HAS NOT BEEN CONVICTED OF THOSE CRIMES THAT ARE WELL DOCUMENTED) He associates w/members of the KKK in the likes of Pearce and others(Horne et al). Lessons from my mom and dad- tell me who you hang out with and I will tell you who YOU are...(FBI and US atty showed corruption or incompetence)
Obama/Osumao-Hussien...100% anti-American is another example; BHO also has total disregard for the US Constitution, because daddy told him we Americans are the bad guys...Here is your president that was educated in America as a foreign student AND ASSOCIATED WITH BILL AYERS,(thanks to the FBI ALSO NOT CONVICTED) OTHER REGISTERED COMMUNISTS and bragged that his ENTIRE HIGH SCHOOL days he was high on dope...in college it was cocaine. There is not much difference between Obama and Arpaio when it comes to criminal acts that they have committed (but not convicted) Any body voting for Arpaio is as stupid as those who voted for the unconvicted president...Tell me who you voted for and I WILL TELL YOU WHO YOU ARE... I also forgot to tell you that both O and A are LIARS BEYOND COMPREHENSION....
KJDaVinci777 posted at 12:32 pm on Thu, Dec 6, 2012.
Reason for 777 - suppose to be lucky numbers- I also like 999 - no religion connection that I know of...again I cannot prejudge someone based on numbers...But do you have any doubt about Pearce and KKK?
Masterrogue666 posted at 9:41 pm on Thu, Dec 6, 2012.
I did vote for Joe, I did not vote for Obama, and it had nothing to do with the color of his skin. I'm not sure if Romney would be a good President, but I did consider him the lesser of two evils.
Are you aware that Joe's daughter in law is of hispanic ancestry? It Joe was the racist you claim, why would his son marry a "non-white"?
The word racist gets thrown around far too easily. I've learned to ignore such statements unless I can see some kind of proof. Just because KKK members came to a meeting doesn't make Joe a member. The KKK members have every right to attend certain meetings, no matter how disgusted I am by their ignorance!
Is Joe a camera hog? Yes. Does MCSO get sued? Yes. However, I doubt that there isn't a sheriiff's office in the USA that hasn't been sued. Joe has created a great deal of programs that saved taxpayers money, gave convicts a trade, et al.
And just because I voted for Joe doesn't make me "stupid". IMHO, he'll continue to do what the majority of MC citizens want done, in addition to what I mentioned above.
However, you have wronged me by calling me a devilworshipper, given you have no proof. And, not that I am, even if I did worship the devil, what happened to freedom of religion? It cuts both ways!
Masterrogue666 posted at 9:44 pm on Thu, Dec 6, 2012.
My REAL reason for "666"? "Masterrogue" was already taken. "Roguemaster" was already taken. "Masterrogue333" and "Roguemaster333" was already taken.
My "lucky numbers" are suppose to be 3 and 6, so I figured it would be easier to type 6 three times than to type 3 six times!
Fair enough?
KJDaVinci777 posted at 1:13 pm on Fri, Dec 7, 2012.
I withdraw the word stupid from your vote for Mr. Evil...Thanks for voting AMERICAN by not voting for the terrorist symphatizer OBOMBER...However, your vote for KKKArpaio is now classified as "ill informed". If I had the money I would bet you $777.77dollars that there is NOT one sheriffs office in America that has COST taxpayers almost a billion dollars in lawsuits. And there is not one other law-enforcment politician that has amassed multi-millions of dollars while in office-UNLESS you are in Mexico . (or a member of Obombers "outfit" (organized crime) or a member of CONGRESS... According to retired PHX based DEA agts there is a lot more in Joes closet regarding his family ties to mexico and they are not "pretty". Yes, Arizona there is a Santa in Arizona and Joe thanks all of his stupid "pinkie" supporters. No, the fact that Joe wears pink underwear is not a problem. I think Sheriff Babesue also wears it around mexican men(PLURAL)
KJDaVinci777 posted at 1:29 pm on Fri, Dec 7, 2012.
The term grandchild (female) was used to describe the scandal involving Mexico and Joe using govt. transportation for personal business, ect...Travel was to El Paso Texas...I think his son knows all the details...Yes, mr.666 there is NO reaon that Joe should hate Mexicans IF the Mexican rumor is true....
Masterrogue666 posted at 10:31 pm on Mon, Dec 10, 2012.
KJ: You withdraw the word "stupid", but continue to call me "Evil", and later stated something about Joe's "stupid pinkie supporters". Why are you still attempting to make it personal? Is it because that the only "ammo" you have? You questioned if my statement about Joe's daughter-in-law is true. I say research it yourself, it's easy enough to verify IF YOU WANT TO. Where's your proof about the billions you mentioned? Was it over the course of one year, or many years? ALL Sheriff offices get sued! Sometimes for good reasons, sometimes for no good reason. I've read about some huge payoffs all over the USA, all you have to do is research.
In any event, have you bothered to consider how much MCSO has SAVED the taxpayer over the years with the various programs that Joe came up with? I doubt it. Believe or not, I did check out Penzone's stance on the issues, and I found him wanting. Allowing ILLEGAL ALIEN presence to continue to grow is more costly to this country than anything that MCSO lost in lawsuits. Show me a person that has the same resolve towards fighting ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION as Joe, and I will consider voting for them.
Notice that I didn't call you names, et al, but discussed THE ISSUES. Care to try and match me in that area?
Masterrogue666 posted at 6:46 pm on Tue, Dec 11, 2012.
"and sooner than later you all racists will find out that latinos are not the problem" - Yep, just what I thought, the "race" card. It took awhile, but your true nature revealed itself!
When will persons such as yourself LEARN that it's not RACE, but LEGAL STANDING. I don't care what nationality an ILLEGAL ALIEN IS, all I care about is that they are not here LEGALLY. Yes, it's true that MOST ILLEGAL ALIENS happen to be HISPANIC and/or LATINO (depending on geography mostly). However, MCSO has also caught Asian ILLEGAL ALIENS as well. And when they do, I'm happy because another ILLEGAL ALIEN was caught.
Last I checked, MCSO has officers that are Hispanic or Latino. Do all of them think/feel the same way as DEA members that happen to be of that ancestry. Also, I notice you made a broad claim there, but I'd love to see YOUR PROOF!
Masterrogue666 posted at 3:56 pm on Wed, Dec 12, 2012.
KJ: You seem to dislike Obama and Joe. Where do you stand on MCSO's investigation on Obama's "citizenship"?
So, they "just" come here to work?
http://www.mcso.org/MultiMedia/PressRelease/11%20illegals%20arrested%20Main%20Smuggler%20deported%204x.pdf
http://www.mcso.org/MultiMedia/PressRelease/Marijuana%20and%20currency.pdf
http://www.mcso.org/MultiMedia/PressRelease/16%20day%20Operation%20.pdf
http://www.mcso.org/MultiMedia/PressRelease/15%20more%20illegals%20arrested%20I-10.pdf
http://www.mcso.org/MultiMedia/PressRelease/68th%20Concrete%20Operation.pdf
There's plenty more, shall I go on? Many ILLEGAL ALIENS STOLE someone's identity, which is a FELONY! I guess we should just ignore that because "they want to work"?
Masterrogue666 posted at 5:25 am on Fri, Dec 14, 2012.
KJ: Aren't you going to try some more personal insults? You say I need to provide proof, yet you fail to provide proof as well.
KJDaVinci777 posted at 12:23 pm on Wed, Dec 19, 2012.
Re: your question re: Media fool Joe and Obama - they are both frauds...If and when the thruth comes out on Obamao and Joe - their terms in office will be over...My calculated guess on Obamao being a legit American is focused on the paperwork that he submitted to gain entrance at American Universities...HE Obamao stated he was applying as a foreign sleeper- I mean student....Joe has NO BUSINESS investigating Obama since he cannot investigate crime in his own county- including all the sex crimes against kids...Joe is your hero because he does go after latinos with broken tailights...provided they are of the brown color ...blond Mexicans are excluded...I do not feel they should be in office because they both are unconvicted corrupt lying fakes...With one the food stamps did PAY...with the other "profiling Mexicans" in Arizona will always win an election...STUPID DOES AS STUPID VOTES...Ariz. deserves BETTER...jUST READ an article where the next sheriff after Arpaio is going to be David Gonzales, who just finished rou nding up some of Joes fugitives...Joe you are supposed to be a jailer...clean up the murders that have been committed in "your jails' and yes Hitler has the penthouse ready for Joe...