PHOENIX (AP) — The sheriff’s office for metro Phoenix is facing intense scrutiny over millions of dollars budgeted for compliance in a racial profiling case stemming from Joe Arpaio’s controversial immigration crackdowns. According to a report released on Wednesday by budget analysts, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) misallocated funds, spending millions on personnel and projects that had little connection to a mandated overhaul by the court.
The report revealed inappropriate expenditures including $2.8 million on body-worn camera licenses that exceeded court specifications, $1.5 million for renovations to an internal affairs office, and over $1.3 million on purchasing 42 new vehicles. A notable mention was an $11,000 golf cart intended to transport staff between offices, despite the availability of leased parking.
For more than ten years, the burden of rectifying constitutional violations linked to a 2013 profiling verdict has fallen on Maricopa County taxpayers, with current expenditures exceeding $323 million, a figure projected to rise to $352 million by July 2026.
The profiling case highlighted aggressive traffic patrols aimed at immigrants from 2008 to 2011, prompting significant court-ordered reforms within the agency. Recently, a federal judge ordered a review of the sheriff's office practices following concerns over financial transparency, resulting in the critical report from budget analysts, which concluded that 72% of the sheriff's office spending was misallocated or improperly assigned.
Amid these developments, Sheriff Jerry Sheridan's office stated they are evaluating the report to identify key findings and areas of concern. As the fourth sheriff to manage this ongoing issue, Sheridan faces pressure to address the financial inconsistencies. Raul Piña, a community advisory board member, pointed out that the report calls for a serious reevaluation of the sheriff’s integrity and transparency in its operations.
The ongoing financial mismanagement has drawn criticism from various county officials, who have begun to question why the sheriff’s office remains under judicial oversight twelve years after the verdict. While the agency has shown improvement in some areas, it continues to battle public distrust, highlighted by historical studies showing racial disparities in traffic stops involving Hispanic and Black drivers.
As MCSO works toward compliance and builds on its progress, the latest findings underscore a pressing need for stricter oversight and accountability to regain public trust.
The report revealed inappropriate expenditures including $2.8 million on body-worn camera licenses that exceeded court specifications, $1.5 million for renovations to an internal affairs office, and over $1.3 million on purchasing 42 new vehicles. A notable mention was an $11,000 golf cart intended to transport staff between offices, despite the availability of leased parking.
For more than ten years, the burden of rectifying constitutional violations linked to a 2013 profiling verdict has fallen on Maricopa County taxpayers, with current expenditures exceeding $323 million, a figure projected to rise to $352 million by July 2026.
The profiling case highlighted aggressive traffic patrols aimed at immigrants from 2008 to 2011, prompting significant court-ordered reforms within the agency. Recently, a federal judge ordered a review of the sheriff's office practices following concerns over financial transparency, resulting in the critical report from budget analysts, which concluded that 72% of the sheriff's office spending was misallocated or improperly assigned.
Amid these developments, Sheriff Jerry Sheridan's office stated they are evaluating the report to identify key findings and areas of concern. As the fourth sheriff to manage this ongoing issue, Sheridan faces pressure to address the financial inconsistencies. Raul Piña, a community advisory board member, pointed out that the report calls for a serious reevaluation of the sheriff’s integrity and transparency in its operations.
The ongoing financial mismanagement has drawn criticism from various county officials, who have begun to question why the sheriff’s office remains under judicial oversight twelve years after the verdict. While the agency has shown improvement in some areas, it continues to battle public distrust, highlighted by historical studies showing racial disparities in traffic stops involving Hispanic and Black drivers.
As MCSO works toward compliance and builds on its progress, the latest findings underscore a pressing need for stricter oversight and accountability to regain public trust.
