“Hello? This is Sheriff Joe! What? An armed robbery in progress, you say? Several men in ski-masks carrying machine guns? And they’ve taken hostages, too? I’m sorry, but all of my deputies are out in the field rounding up gardeners and maids and doing immigration checks on them. Call us back next week when we aren’t so busy.”
Last Thursday night at the Phoenix Club in Anaheim, Bill Hunt grinned from ear-to-ear as he stood near his role model, Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who traveled from Maricopa County, Arizona to use his celebrity-status to help the candidate raise the funds he needs to get himself elected as Orange County’s top cop. Arpaio boasts he’s “America’s Toughest Sheriff,” a reputation earned by making jail inmates wear pink underwear, work in chain-gangs, and live in unventilated tents in 115 degree weather.
About 75 demonstrators assembled on the sidewalk outside, all of them protesting Arpaio’s policy of deploying hundreds of Maricopa County Sheriff’s deputies to conduct massive “immigration sweeps” in working-class Mexican neighborhoods. Although Arpaio, as usual, pooh-poohed their concerns, its becoming difficult for him to cast his critics in a negative light. The lawman is increasingly facing harsh criticism from right-wing Republicans who consider him to be fiscally irresponsible and incompetent.
In December 2008, the Goldwater Institute, an influential right-wing public policy think tank based in Phoenix, Arizona, quite unexpectedly released a scathing 22-page report stating that the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), under the leadership of Sheriff Arpaio, is falling “seriously short of fulfilling its mission” of providing “law-enforcement services, support services, and detention” to the public, noting that its “effectiveness has been compromised for the past several years by misplaced priorities.”
The report’s author, Clint Bolick, Director of the Goldwater Institute Scharf-Norton center for Constitutional Litigation, argued that “violent crime rates” under the lawman’s watch have “recently soared” in Maricopa County “both in absolute terms and relative to other jurisidictions” because “substantial resources” have been diverted “away from other law-enforcement activities to the immigration sweeps and the human-smuggling unit” which has had “little, if any effect” on either “illegal immigration” or crime.
According to Bolick, Sheriff Arpaio’s goal of transforming the MCSO into “a full-fledged anti-illegal immigration agency” has “involved hundreds of deputies and thousands of work days,” taking them away “from their normal assignments” —- such as patrol duties and detective work. This has caused “plummeting arrest rates,” “increased response times to citizens’ [911] calls for help,” and botched-up criminal investigations that allowed perpetrators of violent crimes to walk away from their misdeeds unpunished.
“Immigration enforcement is important,” Bolick asserts:
But in its decision to add to its law-enforcement duties those of a “full-fledged anti-illegal immigration agency,” MCSO has accomplished neither task well. By diverting precious law-enforcement resources on high-profile, extremely expensive, yet low-yielding immigration sweeps, MCSO has underminded its effectiveness in its core mission of protecting the lives and property of people who look to it for protection.
Bolick’s report also raises other interesting questions. For example, he asks why Sheriff Arpaio has permitted high-ranking MCSO deputies to take repeated trips down to Honduras “for purposes that are nebulous at best.” Bolick says “profligate spending on these diversions” — foreign junkets, massive “immigration sweeps,” etc. — “helped produce a financial crisis in late 2007 that forced MCSO to curtail or reduce important law-enforcement functions,” eroding its crime-fighting capabilities.
Commenting on Sheriff Arpaio’s “tough” policies toward jail inmates, Bolick writes “it does not take a soft-on-crime liberal to have serious concerns” that the lawman “has lost a substantial number of high-profile [lawsuits] at great taxpayer expense. According to Maricopa County Risk Manager Peter Crowley, over the five-year period from 2003-07, the county has paid out Sheriff Department General Liability claims of $30 million in addition to liability insurance coverage costing $11.3 million.”
He further points out:
[T]he New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston court systems together housed more than 61,000 inmates per day last year, and had a combined 43 federal prison-condition lawsuits filed against them from 2004-07. MCSO, which houses 9,200 prisoners per day, was the target of 2,150 federal court lawsuits during the same period. That amounts to roughly one-sixth the number of prisoners but over 40 times the number of lawsuits filed. The payouts have resulted in an increase in MCSO’s insurance deductible from $1 million to $5 million and a quadrupling of the insurance premium in recent years.
Among other issues Bolick critically examines are: the “huge backlog of outstanding [felony] warrants” that the MCSO has allowed “to accumulate” to the detriment of public safety; the closing of “satellite booking facilities” that benefited local police departments and allowed them to keep more of their cops out on the streets fighting crime; and “chronically poor record-keeping and reporting of statistics, coupled with resistance to public disclosure.”
In order to correct problems cited in his report, Bolick strongly recommended implementing a series of reforms aimed at “increasing transparency and accountability, and at defining jurisdiction and responsibility” of the MCSO. He hinted if they aren’t vigorously pursued, it will be difficult for Sheriff Arpaio to claim his agency “is the leader in establishing the standards for professional quality law enforcement” — something it still isn’t today, incidently.
To read Bolick’s report, “Mission Unaccomplished: The Misplaced Priorities of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office,” please click on the text highlighted above and download the Adobe PDF file to your personal computer.
Obviously this guy has no chance in hell of ever winning an election.
You guys are beating a dead horse. We don’t live in Maricopa County.
Excellent article Duane. That Goldwater report should have been read by Hunt WAY before he got the big idea to invite Arpaio to help fundraise. Either Hunt has no clue on how to do his homework, or he’s as racist and as wrong-headed as Ol’ Joe Arpaio is.
Sheriff Arpaio’s biography on the MCSO
website says that the sheriff “continues to reduce crime with hard-hitting
enforcement methods.”11 But apart from references to specifi c cases, the website
provides no support for the proposition that crime rates are decreasing within
MCSO’s jurisdiction. To the contrary, the available statistics reported by MCSO
to the Federal Bureau of Investigations suggest a substantial increase in violent
crimes, particularly homicides, over the past several years. Pg 3
Pages 4- 8 talk about investigations not even being done and being “exceptionally cleared” and closed out, despite the number of arrests made and the serious nature of the crimes. So while the Sheriff is busy harassing working poor brown people, the REAL criminals are being let off easy because the resources are so poorly unmanaged. The report claims tht Arpaio’s office is falling seriously short of fulfilling its CORE LAW-ENFORCEMENT DUTIES.
As far as the immigration “sweeps” that Arpaio is conducting, they have been deemed ineffective. Often the sweeps are conducted without coordinating with police departments that have legal jurisdiction- and thus creates dangerous conditions for law enforcement personnel and bystanders in the community, alike.
Joe won’t report to the federal authorities, so the ICE contract is in jeapordy. Then there is the mismanagement of being a reactionary that has resulted in run-away overtime pay that is busting his budget. Missed court appearances by law enforcement personnel who were told to skip their over time, results in criminals getting off scott free. Expensive lawsuits have taken their toll and the Sheriff has balanced the budget shortfalls by leaving patrol positions unfilled. Here is a local Phoenix media with the current FBI investigations story: http://www.kpho.com/news/21470567/detail.html
A source close to the investigations says ‘I’ve Never Seen Anything Like This’, and “(Arpaio’s actions are) absolutely unacceptable,” Iglesias said. “We don’t do think kind of thing in America — in this country — without some kind of consequences.”
What makes ANYONE think we need another power-tripper like Carona? Hunt’s made a big misstep with bringing Joe to the Phoenix Club to get an endorsement. Hunt’s let show his true colors – be it general incompetence by not keeping his distance from such a rogue character currently being investigated, or by blind racisism that would make him cotton up to the likes of Joe Arpaio. Good bye, Hunt.
hi this is sherriff joe . those people in the mask with guns and a ski mask where illegals . we caught them and sent them to jail and after they serve their time they will be deported .
The fish story grows…Now we’re up to “About 75 deomonstratros…” LOL!!!
1. There were MAYBE 40 to 50 illegal aliens outside, tops.
2. There were more Hispanics INSIDE the event in the crowd of 300 + standing room only, who actually PAID to hear Arpaio speak, than there were on the street. ROFLMAO!!!
3. Sheriff Joe Arpaio has been consistently re-elected by double-digit margins for multiple terms now – by BOTH Democrats and Republicans. He’ll cruise to victory in his next election as well. Those are the only “Arizona Republicans” he has to concern himself with.
4. Even Americans of Hispanic decent overwhelmingly vote for Joe Arpaio EVERY election cycle.
Gee, who do we believe; the Citizens that can vote for him and see/feel the effectiveness of his policies everyday; or, those “Republican Lites” who don’t want him actually doing his Constitutional job for fear of upsetting a few poverty pimps who have become self-appointed “leaders” of a group of people who are here illegally and can’t even vote to begin with???
I believe THE PEOPLE – the Citizens of Joe’s County! Is there always room for improvement? Of course, but Sheriff Joe is obviously doing an outstanding job or else the voters wouldn’t keep re-electing him to this non-partisan seat with resounding margins.
As for Bill Hunt and his decision to bring Sheriff Joe Arpaio along with Sheriff Richard Mack; what an outstanding event it was!!! I can’t remember ever attending such a welll-done program in many years. I beleive anyone who wants to will be able to see the entire podcast on Hunt’s website if not now, sometime in the next few days.
The protestors and blog entries like this one will only serve to further galvanize support for Bill Hunt so I sure hope they continue. To try to sum up Hunt’s campaign with one event and a selected picture or two is laughable and the typical American, regardless of ethnicity, sees right through the race-baiting card.
Duane, I had a wonderful time at the protest. It was great to see you and Chuck and all the Orange Countians who are outraged by racism disguising as ‘law and order’ stand with the true Californians (Mexicans/Indians) to stop the hate and hate crimes committed against the innocent.
It’s not unusual for white supremacists to use the issue of ‘the illegal immigration problem’ to promote their cause. Freedom14.org does this regularly at the Huntington Beach Pier. If you have any doubt of what their agenda is, you can easily find them on the granddaddy of all white power sites, http://www.stormfront.org by doing a quick search. If you look up Arpaio, you’ll find he’s a hero of those who believe in segregation and white supremacy.
The issue is hate and ignorance. Here are Arpaio supporter’s at David Irving’s Holocaust Denial Tour:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5e9mWlkfYi0
http://www.youtube.com/user/nauiocelotl#p/u/26/htzZMuYFXh4
They know little about the economic devastation caused in South of the Border due to NAFTA’s failure to lift the standard of living for locals and the history of US strong armed tactics used to seat US businesses including paramilitary trained at School of the Americas. Case in point: Micheletti was trained at SOA:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYY4vj9ROC0&feature=PlayList&p=9A28A5FED138F30D&index=0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upMu_oR2YUU&feature=PlayList&p=9A28A5FED138F30D&index=1
However, I’ve decided that hate is inherently heartless, ignorant and addictive. The unending vitriol of the white supremacists is amazing and hellish. I’d much rather dance w/la Raza than argue and try to educate a White Supremacist. I think it IS better to resist through music and dance! Those who have nothing to be ashamed of can dance with joy… even in front of those who continue to murderously hate:
http://www.youtube.com/user/nauiocelotl#p/u/43/IBq3-PGCE2Q
http://www.youtube.com/user/nauiocelotl#p/u/44/9KzBVwqAQes
If you want this kind of crime and anti-American hate and ignorance in Orange County, vote for Hunt.
Oh Boy. Duane was there. Thanks a lot Duane. Not. You and Sharon are the looney tunes that are the types that will prevent reform and force the weys to dig in deeper. Thanks for nothing.
If the Republicans say So, they got to be right on the mark. NOT!
I think, the people that voted the sheriff in, know what is best for the American people.
Duane, I had a wonderful time at the protest. It was great to see you and Chuck and all the Orange Countians who are outraged by racism disguising as ‘law and order’ stand with the true Californians (Mexicans/Indians) to stop the hate and hate crimes committed against the innocent.
You had a wonderful time conforting racist’s? What did they do, make you cookies?
you’ll find he’s a hero of those who believe in segregation and white supremacy.
So what do you think of brown supremacy that seams to be abundant in Santa Ana city hall?
Have you not looked at the school’s and the city of Santa Ana? Do you not think it is a pretty segregated population? Who is to blame for that, the white racist’s standing outside the borders of Santa Ana with their pitch forks?
If you have not noticed who is killing who in Orange county, maybe you need to go along with Seans, S.W.A.T team buddies and get a reality check!
Honestly woman, have some sense, your making me think, “Sex change”.
I think it IS better to resist through music and dance!
I bet is not country music:) Those racist, country singing hicks.
I suggest Native American dancing, so we can all watch, you get intouch with your tribel side:)
God, forgive them, for they no not what they do!
Ya see Michelle, this is the obvious problem and an obvious lie:
“Duane, I had a wonderful time at the protest. It was great to see you and Chuck and all the Orange Countians who are outraged by racism disguising as ‘law and order’ stand with the true Californians (Mexicans/Indians) to stop the hate and hate crimes committed against the innocent.”
Sharon probably didn’t know (or doesn’t care) that those people protesting Sheriff Joe Arpayaso were bussed in from the UCLA Day-laborer center and all the weys know it. In other words, the inference is that they were all illegals and were paid to protest and for the bus ride from LA. That fact is reaffirmed as they couldn’t chant in english and were yelling into a bullhorn in spanish. Then they try and disrupt the event and take multiple flash pictures of people in their vehicles as they were leaving. Talk about pissing people off. How about this. Be humble, let people know you are upset and generate some freaking sympathy. I know that is too much to ask because the screaming off the charts leftwingers are killin’ the cause.
I was laughing at the picture of the girl standing with a sign stating, “brown is not a crime”, and i was thinking, who are the morons coming up with these slogans?
It should have read, “brown is not a crime, but stupid should be”.
great job .these people have no clue about what they where even protesting . they dont speak any english , all their signs are in spanish = good way to get a point across . more n likely your are right probally brought in by hispanic groups . you know the ones with the brown berets and the che t shirts .
They were brought in by NDLON (Oranganzation for day labors) how much money do these guys make off, illegal day labors?
I think Che was a pretty good looking fella, but he also murdered in cold blood pregnant women escaping on boats from cuba. Never did understand why a killer of thousands, would be worn by anyone. I don’t think good looks is a reason to advertise your stupidy and complete disregard for lives that he wasted!
michell most of these clowns who wear this killer of millions t shirts have no clue who this guy was and what he stood for . the left parades this guy around like he is cool . one guy once told me he was a freedom fighter i laughed so hard i peeded on myself .
What a bunch of idiots
Dick Head,
Yes, Arpaio and his supporters certainly are idiots.