OPINION: Jerry Sheridan will bring Arpaio’s toxicity back to the sheriff’s office

We’re still footing the $350 million bill for Sheridan’s unconstitutional raids on Latino communities.

I am a retired Phoenix Police Officer who had the distinct honor of serving as a Director at the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) for community outreach. I have been a proud member of a federal court-appointed Community Advisory Board that was established in the aftermath of Joe Arpaio and Jerry Sheridan’s tenure at MCSO. 

As Arpaio’s top enforcer, Jerry Sheridan led unconstitutional raids on Latino communities. This is what triggered the ongoing court orders that taxpayers are still footing to the tune of nearly $350 million. 

The culture at the Sheriff’s office was toxic due to Arpaio’s tactics. But when Sheriff Paul Penzone took over, it was a breath of fresh air. Finally, we were turning a page. While Sheriff Penzone made great strides, the office struggled to get past the sins of Arpaio and Sheridan. Their era was marred with national embarrassment, corruption, and prejudice. 

So why would we ever want to go back to that? 

Jerry Sheridan is running for Maricopa County Sheriff and offers to drag us back to the Arpaio days and wipe out the progress Sheriff Penzone made. During his time at MCSO, Sheridan:

• Was found in contempt of court
• Lied under oath
• Ignored reports of harassment and misconduct from his subordinates
• Tried to undermine a federal judge
• Withheld evidence 

He’s also found himself on the Brady List – a roster of unethical cops. It would be unacceptable for us to elect Sheridan, whose actions are why MCSO remains under court orders. 

Luckily, we have a great alternative in Tyler Kamp, a former Phoenix police officer who has demonstrated that he will continue to work for Sheriff Penzone and govern for all of his constituents. 

Kamp is a former Republican turned Democrat but someone who has made it clear he has no interest in bringing partisanship into the office, something that Penzone did honorably. 

By contrast, Arpaio was a partisan hack, and Sheridan has proven to be more of the same. His recent appearance on stage with Turning Point USA – an extremist organization that has advanced election lies – and former President Trump, illustrate Sheridan’s evident desire to be a politician and not a law enforcement leader. 

In 2020, Sheriff Penzone dispatched deputies to protect election workers from a mob of election deniers outside the ballot tabulation center in Maricopa County. This likely saved lives and protected votes. We can’t say with certainty that Jerry Sheridan would do the same thing. 

I’ve spent years interacting with members of the community. These constituents want a partner in the Sheriff’s office. They want a leader who works for everyone, not just their cronies. They want a Sheriff who will follow the law, not use it as a weapon to attack vulnerable members of society. They want a Sheriff they can trust, not someone who lies under oath. 

The taxpayers owe it to themselves to stick with the kind of leadership that restores faith in policing, keeps communities safe, saves our community money, and ensures justice for all. 

That’s what Tyler Kamp is offering. That’s why we must vote for him in November.