What do people from the Phoenix Metropolitan Area think about Joe Arpaio? (crime rate, safer)

[Ponderosa]

I think we should enforce immigration laws and Arpaio does that. The problem with him is that his overzealous pursuit of illegals is bringing bad publicity to the state and to the enforcement effort which will eventually erode, not help, enforcement. His parading of prisoners through the streets of Phoenix a couple days back would violate even the provisions of the Geneva Conventions for the treatment of war captives.

He may be a hero to many locally and even nationwide, but to many with powerful political ties, he is a modern-day Bull Conner and Phoenix is rapidly becoming Birmingham. The provision allowing local law enforcement to assist in immigration enforcement is under serious assault due, in no small measure, to publicity over Arpaio's actions under it. Even e-verify, arguably the best tool we have in protecting our borders, may not be renewed. Arpaio is simply providing fodder for activists from the business community (US Chamber of Commerce) who are behind the efforts to weaken our immigration enforcement. So if he tosses a few hundred in jail while undermining programs that could potentially root out or deny access to thousands, then he is not serving the cause. Enforcement can be done quietly just as well as it can be done with all the grandstanding and bad press it gets with Sheriff Joe. He may win a battle or two, but he is going to cost us the war.

[nickw252]

Law enforcement should be seen but not heard.

[Greatday]

Originally Posted by Ponderosa

I think we should enforce immigration laws and Arpaio does that. The problem with him is that his overzealous pursuit of illegals is bringing bad publicity to the state and to the enforcement effort which will eventually erode, not help, enforcement. His parading of prisoners through the streets of Phoenix a couple days back would violate even the provisions of the Geneva Conventions for the treatment of war captives.

The Sheriff's enforcement of laws related to illegal immigration has helped other law enforcement agencies, locally and nationally, start to address the same problem.

Frankly, I don't care if Joe is a Media ***** - he is getting the job done. From Tent City (now being copied all over the country), to No coffee or smoking in the jail, to no Porno Mags or Television and Green Bologna.

As for moving of the illegals as he did? Right on! They needed the exercise.

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by Greatday

The Sheriff's enforcement of laws related to illegal immigration has helped other law enforcement agencies, locally and nationally, start to address the same problem.

Frankly, I don't care if Joe is a Media ***** - he is getting the job done. From Tent City (now being copied all over the country), to No coffee or smoking in the jail, to no Porno Mags or Television and Green Bologna.

As for moving of the illegals as he did? Right on! They needed the exercise.

Love him all you want. My point is that his showmanship is going to undermine enforcement of immigration laws. Recall that it was public outrage at the treatment of black protesters in the south that hastened the passage of the Civil Rights Act. Joe is reacting to criticism by getting more and more strident in his public displays and it is going to backfire. He, and this state, will become the poster child and the lightening rod for dismantling even the lukewarm enforcement of immigration laws that we now have.

[Greatday]

Originally Posted by Ponderosa

Love him all you want. My point is that his showmanship is going to undermine enforcement of immigration laws. Recall that it was public outrage at the treatment of black protesters in the south that hastened the passage of the Civil Rights Act. Joe is reacting to criticism by getting more and more strident in his public displays and it is going to backfire. He, and this state, will become the poster child and the lightening rod for dismantling even the lukewarm enforcement of immigration laws that we now have.

Actually - thanks to Joe - the Legislature is taking up EVEN MORE STRINGENT laws against illegal immigrants and illegal immigration.

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by Greatday

Actually - thanks to Joe - the Legislature is taking up EVEN MORE STRINGENT laws against illegal immigrants and illegal immigration.

It's not our legislature that matters. They can be counted on to come up with strict legislation. But immigration is federal issue, national in scope, and if they decide to step in, it's lights out for local efforts. Buffoonery in enforcement - and the negative reaction to it - is already spurring efforts to repeal federal rules that allow local officials to assist ICE activities. There is a need to be pragmatic here. Either you can delight in watching the parades and such and the now nearly daily showboating on TV or you can demand professional behavior and enforcement or the laws from the police that will further the cause of stemming illegal immigration - not undermine it. Either way, the illegals get the message. A "good" sheriff can get the job done without mugging constantly for the cameras and jeopardizing the whole program. Our community and the seriousness of the problem we face deserve better than this loose cannon.

[observer53]

Ponderosa,

Excellent post. I couldn't agree more (guess I've given you enough reputation props already, it wouldn't let me do it again.)

[mkblmickey]

He might have you all thinking he is hard on crime but he has put yours, my and his deputies life in jeopardy just for the purpose of publicity for himself and to put his clan in the positions they want.

The people you need to start listening to is his employees. Start doing some research and see how his office is truly running. What truly makes it hard to get the true is because many of the deputies wont speak because they will lose their jobs or worse.

I hope we can get more people to truly see what kind of man he really is.

I do agree we need to have some in office that will be strong against crime, but not to use it for their on personal use.

[roosevelt]

Replace him with a sheriff New Times and The Arizona Republic approves of and you will have Los Angeles before you know it. Is that what some of you want?

[restoguy]

Tough on crime? I guess it depends on the crime. We hear all too often how he has arrested "VIOLENT CRIMINALS" in his infamous raids but lack and credentials from the arrest. For once I would like to hear how 13 of the 50 people arrested had outstanding felony warrants for rape, murder or weapons charges. Arpaio as a person is a evil, worthless, slob. As a sheriff, his intentions are clouded by the need of personal fame and greed. The biggest fault of Arpaio is that any positive act he does tends to be overshadowed by his overwhelmingly poor judgement.