Panel supports dropping sheriff`s protection in Guadalupe

Panel supports dropping sheriff's protection in Guadalupe
May 22nd, 2008 @ 6:05am
by Associated Press and Jim Cross/KTAR

A citizens panel in the Town of Guadalupe recommends dropping police protection from the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.

A report released Wednesday night by the Guadalupe Public Safety Committee describes sheriff's deputies as disinterested in protecting the town.

Sheriff Joe Arpaio has repeatedly defended his deputies as responsive and inexpensive.

The panel says its findings are largely based on residents' opinions about how well the sheriff's office has served Guadalupe.

Ultimately, the committee says the town should re-establish its own police department.

But in the near term, the Town Council should contract with the Department of Public Safety or Phoenix police.

Mark Spencer, head of the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association, said the police union is against Phoenix taking over law enforcement in Guadalupe.

``We're anywhere between 200, 400 officers short now and our budget crisis doesn't warrant any more. I think common sense is going to dictate we can't go in there. You can only do so much," Spencer said.

He said it would take about 43 patrol officers, sergeants and lieutenants to handle law enforcement duties in Guadalupe.

Arpaio has notified Guadalupe town officials that the sheriff's office will put out of the town in October.





http://ktar.com/?nid=6&sid=844542

"Arpaio has notified Guadalupe town officials that the sheriff's office will put out of the town in October. "
Take this Job and shove it
This only cancels the contract with that city to act as local police and respond to their 911 calls and do patrols. As part of Maricopa County
Sheriff Apraio will still be able to enforce the law in Guadalupe any time he wants, without local politicians interference.

After the contract expires you just might see more expansion at "Tent City"

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jimpasz

"Arpaio has notified Guadalupe town officials that the sheriff's office will put out of the town in October." Take this Job and shove it.
This only cancels the contract with that city to act as local police and respond to their 911 calls and do patrols. As part of Maricopa County Sheriff Apraio will still be able to enforce the law in Guadalupe any time he wants, without local politicians interference. After the contract expires you just might see more expansion at "Tent City"

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I'd opine THE sheriff not only "will still be able" to enforce the law in G'lupe, he has a duty to enforce the laws throughout Maricopa County. That said, without effective local police services, the need for his attention there will be increased.