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Cop2Cop: News By, For & About Law Enforcement In the West with 24Seven

Meet America's toughest sheriff: Joe Arpaio

Arpaio is not the least bit concerned about other people think, it’s the 3-? million people of Maricopa County, which clearly support him and his tough stance with criminals and crime. Arpaio made it clear that this is not a popularity contest with the inmates, "it is my job to deal with these individuals as I see fit," and he does. The Sheriff also went on to say, "everything I do, I do for a reason," and it doesn’t sit too well with many left leaning individuals, which does not concern him in the least.

When asked about his popularity with the inmates, he leaned back in his chair with a small smile on his face, paused for a moment and chuckled to himself. He eventually sat up, leaned on his desk and said, "I have had 12 death threats on my life, I used to have my wife start the car for me until we actually found a bomb under the vehicle. Now she doesn’t start the car anymore".

What makes Arpaio the toughest Sheriff in the states? Well to begin with, his view of his inmates. He does not want them to enjoy anything about their stay in his facilities. We had a chance to tour "Tent City" and it was clear that Arpaio had set some very tough rules and expectations for the inmates. From the green bologna sandwiches, to the pink underclothes, bedding and footwear that adorn their bodies and the pink sheets they sleep on at night, Arpaio does it for a reason. He was very articulate in explaining why he does what he does.

Although accused by some as trying to embarrass his inmates, Arpaio made it clear that this is not the case. He was losing lots of money when inmates would steal the clothing that they were issued. Well what an easy way to deal with it, change the color to pink and bang, no more theft of clothing. He also stopped television in his facilities until the courts ruled that the inmates can are entitled to it, "fine then, they now have the Disney Channel and the Weather Channel so they can see how hot it is going to be while out working on the chain gangs-or they can see how cold it is up north and they can move to Canada."

Another innovative and tough program instituted by the sheriff was his chain gangs. Although he started with male only chain gangs, he has now expanded that program to make him an equal opportunity employer by having the first female chain gang. Arpaio has gone even further now that he has started a young offenders chain gang. Again, everything is for a reason. The sheriff lives the old adage, "If you don’t want to do the time…don’t do the crime" which coincidentally can be seen in his office behind his desk.

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