Arizona Sheriff Arpaio Gets Favorable Audit

WSJ.com ^ | EVAN PEREZ

[SanFranDan]

A federal audit gave favorable grades to Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio for his treatment of inmates, amid a Justice Department probe into possible discrimination by the Arizona lawman against Hispanic inmates.

Mr. Arpaio's lawyer said the audit grades from the U.S. Marshals Service show the sheriff runs a clean operation and underscore his contention that the probe is politically motivated.

The Justice Department said in a statement that its investigation "pertains to allegations of discrimination in jails and police practices that are not covered by the Marshals Service review."

Mr. Arpaio has gained a national reputation as an anti-illegal immigration firebrand, using his local agency to round up undocumented immigrants and turn them over to federal officials for deportation. The 18-month Justice probe has looked into how he treats jail inmates and whether he discriminates against Hispanics.

Hispanic and civil-liberties groups have criticized practices of Mr. Arpaio, such as using tents to house detainees and dressing them in pink uniforms.

[WAW]

I like his attitude more than anything else. There is no doubt in my mind he is competent where he is and could go higher... But I also respect that in many ways we need him there doing what he does there to be an example to his peers around the country.

To say he’d make great president may be a heckuva stretch...But I know his principles, work ethic and all I have seen from him so far would put him miles above the man currently occupying that seat.