Morning Poll: Should Law Enforcement Agencies Be Comfortable Working With Joe Arpaio?

By James King Wed., Jun. 8 2011 at 7:30 AM

Even a janitor at a slime factory would be cautious when joining forces with Joe Arpaio.

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.

Tags:

arizona, department of public safety, joe arpaio, joseph yahner, maricopa county sheriff's office, mexican drug cartel, phoenix police department, robert halliday

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Jason

If I was the head of a police agency or the county attorney, I would NOT want to associate myself or my department with a greasy-haired, fat, flaccid, sad old man whose police agency is the most corrupt in the state as well as the country. I have better things to do.

Tina

Since James King's article here is very unclear (as was the previous one) on this "Operation Wolfpack" -- what its purpose is and was -- it's difficullt to answer a loaded poll question without more information.

We're told that four heads of law enforcement held a brief press conference on Monday announcing their cooperation in "Operation Wolfpack." They were DPS Director Halliday, Phoenix PD Chief Yahner, MCSO Sheriff Arpaio and Maricopa County Attorney Montgomery.

So what is "Operation Wolfpack"? According to other news reports (see Repubic article below) it involves indictments that were handed down against 61 gang members, some of which are already in jail or prison, and their crimes. The County Attorney's role will now be that of prosecutor, and because Sheriff Arpaio oversees Maricopa County jails, his cooperation is a must. It appears that law enforcement efforts and cooperation in Arizona's "Operation Wolfpack" began two years ago and is ongoing with investigative work leading to prosecutions.

As far as we know, it has nothing to do with the Mexican drug cartel's infiltration into the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office -- at least three MCSO moles passing on critical information to those cartels.61 prison gang members arrested in Ariz."Operation Wolf Pack" indicted 38 already in custody and 23 out on the streetsBy Matt HaldaneThe Arizona RepublicMARICOPA COUNTY, Ariz. — State and local authorities have indicted 61 people on suspected crimes tied to a prison gang, Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery said Tuesday afternoon."Operation Wolf Pack" launched nearly two years ago and targeted one prison gang, but 24 other street gangs were associated with it, Phoenix Lt. Charlie Consolian said. The investigation was conducted by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, Phoenix Police Department, Department of Public Safety, and Maricopa County Attorney's Office. Of the suspects indicted, 38 were already in custody and 23 were "out on the street," he said.There are 40 felony charges, according to Montgomery. The defendants were indicted on charges that include fraud schemes, identity theft, drug trafficking, and possessing prohibited weapons such as hand grenades.

Walter Concrete

Joe is really a unkown member of the Hells Angels MC posing as a cop.

Hells Angels Killer

I knew that was true years ago. he pals around and rides horses on his days off with hells angels leader sonny barger up off the carefree highway at sonny bargers house. www.sonnybarger.com

Hells Angels Killer

I don't think any of those head honchos from various local LEAs every watch or read the news. Because if they did, they would then be fully informed about the evil ways of Shurf Joke. Its not professional to be working along side a blabbering media whore. They need to wake up.

Walter Concrete

so now you hate both the Hells Angels and local Police. who do you actually like? anybody?

Hells Angels Killer

I hate everybody.

Walter Concrete

The Hells Angels own a few business in Scottsdale that you may use or just support or buy from and you dont know it. the Hells Angels are in the news for doing bad things once or twice a year. the cops are in the news once or twice a month for doing bad things. so who do you trust? a cop with a badge and gun running wild? or a long haired smelly hippie on a fast Harley Davidson? there has been only 2 Hells Angels killed in Arizona since 1999 and im pretty sure you did not kill them. you sound like a wannabee tough guy who hides behind a computer talking pusdeo tough guy shit when in reality your a fat white out of shape pussy ass yuppie golfer or ex cop who has never been in a fight in your whole life. you sound very insecure about your manhood. that is if you have any at all. you are what is known as a cyber bully or a keyboard commando. you are an embaressment to yourself. try growing up and being a real man before you end up in prison for killing Hells Angels.

Hells Angels Killer

I will kick your hells angels ass! tell me where we can meet up and I will show you how tough this Scottsdale man is.

JOHN

It makes one wonder why someone is still in office when it is so obvious he has little, if any, regard for the law. It also makes one wonder why it is taking so long for Arpaio to be booted out. He and his ilk are apparently well-skilled in cover-up. We may have to wait until the new Sheriff is elected for all the skull-duggery to some to light.

shadeaux14

The culture of abuse and corruption apparent in the command staff of the MCSO had had 18 yrs. to permeate the entire dept. At present, MCSO is more akin to an organized crime family than a law enforcement organization. Maybe an appropriate nickname for Yosemite Joe would be "The Teflon Sheriff."

Hells Angels Killer

I say kill off the whole human race and then things on earth will work themselves out for the better. I know I am no damn good for anything in this life other that writing on this fucking blog to much and cutting down the hells angels who beat me up real bloody in 1999 at the steel horse saloon and then they stole my wife from me. she was a biker trash whore anyway but she was some good sexy lovin in bed. I miss having sex with a women. all I do now is dream of a real women lover and watch porn

Hells Angels Killer

Teflon Sheriff? are you doing stand up or sit down comedy now? how about grease ball pig who combs his hair with a pork chop and has dandruff. no charge for extra grease!