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Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio took great offense yesterday to our asking other heads of local law enforcement agencies whether they feel comfortable working with America’s self-proclaimed “toughest sheriff” — what with the recent cartel infiltrations and federal investigations, and all.
The MCSO was recently infiltrated by a Mexican drug cartel. It’s also the target of a nearly three-year federal investigation into alleged corruption.
Based on these recent events, it would seem other law-dogs might at least be concerned about jumping into bed with the sheriff (or two former members of his command staff — for completely different reasons).
In other words, if our job required us to share a byline with someone who allegedly plagiarized something, or who’s allowed a rival newspaper to infiltrate our editorial meetings, we’d at least be a little cautious.
Not acting Phoenix Police Chief Joseph Yahner, or Department of Public Safety Director Robert Halliday, though — both of whom say they’re completely comfortable working with Arpaio, despite his many alleged misdoings.
We want to know what you think: should other law enforcement agencies at least be cautious of a corrupt county sheriff currently under investigation by the federal government?
Cast your vote below.
