For whatever reason, (though probably nothing more than he knows it'll get him publicity), Arpaio's got it in his head that his office needs drones.
Not Heron TP-style Iran-busters, and not the all-purpose Predators., but those that more resemble remote-controlled multi-copters for sale at the mall. He's waiting for approval from the Federal Aviation Administration, ABC-15 News confirmed this week, that would make the MCSO the 22nd police agency in the country with drones, and the first in Arizona.
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The drones Arpaio wants have three-foot wingspans and would be used to make orbits above county jail facilities, looking for people who throw drugs over the fence, he told the news station. He'd also use them for search-and-rescue operations and criminal investigations, he says.
Knowing Arpaio, the drones might be equipped with Spanish detectors. On the other hand, since Arpaio lost a racial-profiling lawsuit and ordered to accept a federal monitor, maybe the drones would be best put to use circling Arpaio's Well Fargo headquarters.
Apparently, the 81-year-old sheriff believes drones may already be watching him at his Fountain Hills residence. From the story by Channel 15's Christopher Sign: "When asked how he would feel if drones were flying over his home or neighborhood, Arpaio responded, 'they probably already are and probably know where the toilet is in my house.'"
