Update
on Joe
HE IS THE MARICOPA,
THIS
IS ONE OF THE REASONS WHY:
Sheriff Joe Arpaio
(In
He stopped smoking and **o magazines in the jails. Took away
their weights Cut off all but "G"
movies.
He
started chain gangs so the inmates could do free work on county and city
projects.
Chain
Gangs
For Women
So
He Wouldn't Get
Sued
For
he
found out there was
A Federal
Court Order
that
Required
Cable TV For
Jails.
So
He Hooked Up The Cable
TV Again but
He
Replied,
So
They
Will
Know
How
Hot
It's
Gonna Be
While
They
Are
Working
ON My
Chain Gangs.
Since
It Has
If
You Don't Like It,
He
bought Newt Gingrich's lecture series on videotape that he pipes into the
jails.
When asked by a reporter if he had any lecture series by a Democrat,
he replied a democratic lecture series might explain why a lot of the inmates
were in his jails in the first place.
More On The Arizona
Sheriff:
Than Usual In Phoenix
(116
Degrees Just Set A New Record),
the
Associated Press Reports:
About
2,000 Inmates Living In A Barbed-Wire-Surrounded Tent
Encampment
AtThe
Maricopa
County Jail Have Been Given Permission To Strip Down To Their
Government-Issued
Many Were Also Swathed In Wet, Pink Towels As Sweat Collected On Their
Chests And Dripped Down To Their PINK SOCKS.
Said
James Zanzot,
An
Inmate Who Has Lived In The TENTS for 1 year.
who
created the tent city and long ago started making his prisoners wear pink, and
eat bologna sandwiches, is not one bit
sympathetic.
He
said Wednesday that he told all of the inmates:
"It's 120 Degrees In Iraq And
Our
Soldiers Are Living In
Tents
Too,
And
They Have To
Wear
Full Battle Gear, But
They
Didn't Commit Any Crimes,
Maybe
if all prisons were like this one there
would be a lot less crime
and/or repeat
offenders.
If
you agree, pass on. If not, just delete it.
was
just re-elected Sheriff in
MAYBE WE SHOULD ELECT HIM SHERIFF OF THE
True.
http://www.snopes.com/crime/deserts/pink.asp
Pip
Neat Article!!!
Many of those poor folks in those tents have not been convicted of a crime. They just have been accused and have no bail money.
I would not treat a dog the way Sheriff Joe treats his prisoners. I do not understand why he keeps getting re-elected.
The true measure of a society is how it treats its weakest members. I guess we in AZ measure up poorly.. we treat the sick and the elderly about the same way we treat our prisoners...POORLY
ps Sheriff Joe seems to live awfully well on a mere sheriff salary. I wonder how he does that....
The sheriff has nothing legally to do with the sick, poor, and elderly. Thats another issue that needs to be dealt with seperately. As far as the prisoners go those that can't post bail were obvious suspect or they shouldn't be there.
He may be extreme in some peoples views but keeps being reelected.The majority rules in a sheriff election.
Prison should not be a vacation.It is supposed to be punishment. Tax dollars are being used unwisely keeping criminals in air conditioning, cable tv, state of the art accomodations, work out rooms, gymnasiums, libraries and college courses, and computer access, not to mention conjical(sp) visits for some. This is an extreme case and not the norm for prison life and most people realize that. But there has to be a better solution to crime deterent than a "home away from home" environment. Seperation from sociey isn't working. Most get three hot meals a day, not bologna. One of my best friends is a dental hygeinist at the state penn. They get better dental and health care than less than fortunate children. Until a few yrs ago that was all free and paid by the state, or our tax dollars. Now at least prisoners have to pay a minimum here. Some prison systems are better, some worse than others. I guess you just have to take your chaces if you choose a life of crime.
I don't believe that prison should be a place where you have luxuries that people who work hard and don't commit crimes can't afford. Where is the deterrent from returning if you can go to the gym to work out, watch cable and use a computer? I'm in MA and as far as I know inmates don't have cable or a TV in their rooms anymore. I think our sheriff did away with that. Since this man has been Sheriff in AZ, has the crime rate gone down?I say good for him! Prison should not be a vacation on our dimeBefore you canonise the guy, there's also this flip side to the coin, according to Wikipedia. (I especially note "Despite vowing to never settle, the case quickly closed after it was disclosed the Sheriff's office had destroyed key evidence in the case." Does the Sheriff belong in his own jail? I'm not saying criminals should be coddled, but there's a fine line...)
Some feel that Sheriff Arpaio's actions are based less on a desire to serve the public and to lower crime, but on demagoguery and grandstanding that hurt the public welfare. Amnesty International issued a report critical of the treatment of inmates in Maricopa County facilities [3].
Criticism has also resulted due to lawsuits filed against the sheriff’s office by family members of inmates killed in jail custody and in highspeed pursuits involving deputies. The lawsuits have cost Maricopa County more than .7 million in settlement claims.
One major controversy includes the 1996 death of inmate Scott Norberg while he was in custody. Norberg was arrested for chasing two young girls in Mesa, Arizona. Arpaio's office repeatedly claimed Norberg was also high on methamphetamines, but a blood toxicology performed post-mortem conclusively proved this was not true. During his internment, detention officers shocked Norberg more than 20 times with a stun-gun, including on his testicles. According to an investigation by Amnesty International, Norberg was already handcuffed and face down when officers dragged him from his cell and placed him in a restraint chair with a towel covering his face. After Norberg's corpse was discovered, detention officers accused Norberg of attacking them as they were trying to restrain him. The cause of his death, according to the Maricopa County medical examiner, was due to "positional asphyxia". Sheriff Arpaio investigated and subsequently cleared County detention officers of any criminal wrongdoing. [4]
Norberg’s parents filed a lawsuit against Joe Arpaio and his office. The lawsuit was settled for .25 million (USD) following a highly contentious legal battle. Despite vowing to never settle, the case quickly closed after it was disclosed the Sheriff's office had destroyed key evidence in the case.
Brian Crenshaw was a blind inmate allegedly beaten into a coma by guards working under Arpaio. Crenshaw suffered injuries that included a perforated intestine and a broken neck. He later died at a local hospital. When asked about the incident, Arpaio insisted, "The man fell off a bunk." [5]
During April, 2004, Arpaio became involved in more controversy when he accused the West Bridgewater, Massachusetts Police Department of being unprofessional over their handling of surveillance tapes from an AT&T store that showed a suspect making prank calls to several restaurants. The calls instructed restaurant managers to strip-search female customers — minors included. Several managers were arrested as a result. Arpaio believed that the suspect in the tapes from West Bridgewater might be connected to a similar case in Fountain Hills, Arizona. In response to Arpaio's comments, West Bridgewater Police Lt. Raymund S. Rogers was quoted as saying "I think he's mad that our detectives just happen to be better than his detectives". [6]
James Saville was arrested in 1999 for attempting to murder Joe Arpaio. A jury decided that officers from the Maricopa County Sheriff's Department had entrapped Saville and found him not guilty [7].
In 2005, Arizona passed a law making it a felony, punishable by up to 2 years in jail, to smuggle someone across the border. Maricopa County Attorney Andrew P. Thomas has issued a legal opinion that those being smuggled can be considered co-conspirators to the smuggling and thusly can be charged under the same law. Under this opinion, Arpaio has instructed his deputies and members of his civilian posse to round up and arrest suspected illegal aliens. Arpaio said to Fox News, "My message is clear: If you come here and I catch you, you're going straight to jail. [...] I'm not going to turn these people over to federal authorities so they can have a free ride back to Mexico. I'll give them a free ride to my jail." [8] To date, Arpaio has arrested at least 263 people under this program. [9]
One of Arpaio's unorthodox practices includes the requirement that these inmates sing "God Bless America" and the "Star Spangled Banner."
The county attorney's legal opinion is being challenged in court. Many critics, including two of the co-authors of the Arizona anti-smuggling law, claim that Thomas and Arpaio are misusing the statute, which was meant only for human smugglers and not for illegals who are being smuggled. [10] Judge Thomas O'Toole ruled in June, 2006 that the sheriff's interpretation is correct, and the illegal aliens can be tried as co-conspirators. However, he later ordered that several illegal aliens be released from custody due to lack of evidence against them. Several other illegal aliens have pleaded guilty and received probation and deportation to Mexico. So far, none of the conspiracy cases have been tried by a jury. [11]
Sheriff Arpaio has been criticized for allowing his deputies and posse members to engage in sex acts during an undercover prostitution "sting". In November, 2003, Sheriff's deputies arrested over 70 people for prostitution and solicitation. The officers arrested alleged prostitutes and their customers in more than 30 homes and 10 massage parlors in the Phoenix area. Records indicated that several of the officers disrobed, fondled the breasts and genitals of the alleged prostitutes, and allowed their penises to be touched during the operation. The Maricopa County Attorney's Office stated that the Sheriff's office had gone too far in allowing this behavior, and 60 of the cases were thrown out. Several of the male customers in the case were prosecuted, however. [12]
In May 2007, Arpaio was featured in the entertainment press for publicly asking the Los Angeles authorities to transfer Paris Hilton to Maricopa County to serve her jail sentence. His requests were "respectfully declined."[2
I have knowledge of how the system works. For the D.A. to even give his stamp of approval on a case, law enforcement officers have to go way above and beyond as far as evidence goes. They have no control over how a jury acts, just as they have no control once these criminals are in prison.
Once in the system, these CRIMINALs know how to work the system. They have free legal counsel, so having nothing better to do, they sue the guards on a regular basis. How would you like being dragged into court to defend against not giving an inmate an extra cube of sugar, or being sued for being "racist" simply because you are of another race? How about having to miss your own children's activities or family vacations because you have to go to court on your days off to defend yourself time and again?
I do not agree with this sherrif. I find him a grandstander and a clown.
My DH was a cop for many years so I know what I am talking about.
When people say "he got off on a technicality," what they are forgetting is the TECHNICALITIES ARE THE LAWS. be careful and maintain a chain of evidence and follow the constitution and your technicalities will disappear.
People also forget that the punishment is the INCARCERATION... incarceration is not simply a means of holding people in a place to allow further punishment.
If you think incarcertaion is so easy, then maybe you should try to simply stay in your own home with no outside contact for oh say a month..
We law abiding folk cant stand to be cooped up for any length of time, and thats WITH our tv's, massage showers, lazy-boys, pizza dellivery, power tools.. soooo what makes anyone think prisoners dont deserve at least civil decent treatment.
I'm not in favor of conjugal visits, **, computer access but libraries exercise and decent food is just a matter of decency..
and yes I realize these are bad people who did bad things but a measure of our society is our ability to do right even to those who would do wrong.
I think when you decide to commit a crime against your community, you give up the priviledges that are offered to law abiding citizens. I don't want to provide nice things for these people. Sure, give them food to sustain their lives, but I don't care if they like it. In fact, I hope they don't. I don't care if they aren't entertained in prison. I don't want them to be. I read something the other day about inmates demanding that the government provide them with sex change operation. Insanity. Prison should be an awful place, you have to do something awful to get there.I dont beleive in treating prisoners with TV , Internet, college education either. But this Sheriff is dangerous. There has got to be a better way.I agree with your post 100%, Linncn.
As American's we quickly buy into "image". Here we have have John Wayne and General Patton all rolled into one. He's a super hero who is standing up for good old fashioned American values. What a bunch of happy horse sh*t!
He is not doing anything to solve crime. He is using everyone's anger and fear of crime to gain power and status for himself.
He's doing nothing to stop crime? You've seen stats? What are they? Personally speaking, I have not "bought into an image". I do think it's about time people stop babying people who refuse to play by the rules. If you can't play nice, you're out of the sandbox. I don't want to pay for your gym or your classes, or your library just because you decided to steal from me.I, like Hillhoney, am concerned that it is one person in power there making the decisions. Absoloute power corrupts.
Here are some crime stats I found. http://phoenix.about.com/od/crimestatistics/a/crime2006.htm
Altho someone is in jail or prison and do not deserve the same luxuries that the people who are law abiding citizens deserve, they still are human beings and have the right to some decent food. I'm not saying steak dinner or anything like that, but food that isn't moldy at least. Arapaio does away with coffee because it has zero nutritional value but goes ahead and feeds inmates moldy and rotten food. Why not charge an inmate for meals? I have to pay for my meals on a daily basis. And what about rehabilitating those inmates that might possibly be candidates for rehabilitation? At least have a GED program. I do not agree with college classes tho. Here's your GED now get a job and pay for college like the rest of us. Inmates having a rec program with weights etc. is one issue I am torn about. While having a rec program like that just makes inmates more physically fit to commit crimes either on the inside or when they get out, it also helps to channel some of that aggression instead of possibly shanking someone. Pink undies and living in the heat I would imagine is to teach these inmates some humility. The inmate made someone feel shame and humiliation when they did a crime to someone. Chain gangs? Good. Go work. Make a living from the sweat off of your back just as my husband does and all other law abiding citizens.
The question I feel we should also be asking is how far is too far? At what point are basic human rights taken away? At what point do we not provide counseling etc. in an attempt to help the inmate not re-offend?
Linncn, I agree with you. I don't see any reason why prisoners should have cable tv or other luxuries like computer access and a gym to go to.
I don't think that they should be fed moldy food either. I like grammakittles idea of charging inmates for meals. I also am concerned after reading some of the articles posted that the Sheriff might be playing both sides. I don't think it's right to punish criminals and the act like one by covering up evidence. Too much power in one person's hand isn't a good thing.
I think rehabilitation is good if it works, which I feel depends on the mind of the person comitting the crime, the reason why and the crime itself.
I guess what I'm concerned with is when there are people that choose a life of crime because it's easier than working to get what they want. There's a good chance that children born to and brought up in that type of environment are going to end up doing the same thing. I don't think people that choose crime as a way to make a living should be rewarded with cable, gym, college etc. I think providing them with that type of luxury is more of a encouragement to continue life that way then a deterrent.
I understand there are a number of prisons who put in gardens as a means to provide fresh veggies for their meals. I think it is a great idea and some inmates really get into nurturing them, which serves another purpose - cutting the cost of food.Yeah, I've read about that too. I think it's a great idea. We hava a ciurt nearby that has a giant garden in the front of it. It I think that they put people to work there that have to do community service.I live in Mesa Arizona (Maricopa County) The scum bags in Tent City didn't worry about their victims! They're lucky they get clothes and food.
SHERIFF JOE FOR PRESIDENT!!!!!!
Mmmm another "damned if you do, damned if you don't" moment!Great Thread!
I just want to make one point...Kathy...I disagree about the technicalities. They aren't necessarily the law...they can be mistakes made anywhere in the chain of the evidence or the case.
Obviously there is enough evidence against them to hold them....I support MOST of his thoughts. I think bringing down the food costs for those who pay for the inmates is a great thing. Plus, this isn't a luxury, to be in jail. They shouldn't live better than some of us on the street who go to work everyday and obey the law.
Just my .02
Phats Okay I've been thinking about this sheriff and the prison issue in general since the thread started. I was the first one to say that prison was for punishment, shouldn't be a nice place, basic humanity, yadda , yadda, yadda. And I still firmly believe that for those who chooses a life of crime but I am looking at it another way too. Let me ask this... true story, as short as possible
One day his dad asked him to run an errand for him. He wasn't speeding, driving erratic, or anything, but, the sun caught him in a blind spot and he turned in front of a truck. This tragic accident left a woman dead, both vehicles totaled, three injuries and my son was devastated. Of course so were we and the womans family. Now, my son who had no criminal intent, could have been charged with a criminal felony of death by vehicle and five years max in prison. At seventeen years old when it went to court, my sons life could have been devastated. Trying to make a long story short, 1.5 yrs and thousands of dollars later, the charge was reduced to reckless driving and 72 hrs community service.'I Thank God! So my question is, do you think if my son had gone to prison it would be fair that he be subjected to the same harsh treatments as any other criminal who " choose criminal acts" are? With the over crowding issues and other prison problems my son would have been just "another prisoner" to the system. This easily could have happened to my son if we had not been fortunate enough to hire the best lawyers, had many excellent character witnesses, and my sons spotless credentials. What about the less fortunate that find themselves in similar situations? Of course you know what I would have wanted for my son. Do you think he deserved to eat green bologna? Swelter in a tent with rapist, murderers, drug dealers, pedophiles, etc....? Club Fed. would not be an option, it wasn't a federal charge. What are your opinions? Yeah good answer Linda! Unfortunately nobody said life had to be fair did they
Thats what scared me the most Michele when I thought about my son going to prison even for 3mos or 6mos. To be exposed to that kind of atmosphere at such a young age would have devasted us all. My son had been sheltered all his life, I can't imagine, I still shudder to think about it. Yeah, Mona, life doesn't seem fair sometimes. I remember when my son was just a small fry and had a seizure disorder. Had hundreds of them before they finally found the right combination of meds to control them. Anyway, my SIL was saying to a friend of hers, one who had suffered through many tragedys, this is so unfair...why him? And her friend said to her...why not him? As though epilepsy should happen to some and not to others. Whenever I'm tempted to question that way, you know, like why do I have to have RA? I stop myself. Their is nothing that is so unbelievably wonderful about me that I shouldn't have this. I'm just like everyone else, either we all deserve it or we all don't. I decided a long time ago to trust that God knows more than I do and things will work out the way He wants them to, and His way is always better than my way. And sometimes you get to see how things that seemed so bad, were really blessings.
AWW Linda, you're so sweet and exactly right!. The other night my son was having an anxiety attack and he was sobbing " why me, why is this happening to me" and I said "why not you son". " Bad things happen to good people every day" you just deal! you have no choice! I told him "prayer has always helped me, it'll help you too". And he was all right after we rode around and talked about it for a long time. thanks
Crime in Phoenix is pretty bad, and seems to be getting worse. I don't think Joe's jail or capital punishment work as deterrents. Lots of the people who end up in jail can't think far enough ahead to realize there are consequences for their actions. We as a society are not doing a good job raising our kids because people should learn there are consequences for their actions, really young, even before school starts. As a mid-westerner raised in a small town, the big city of Phoenix came as a real shock to the system. It has been 17 years but I still don't understand why we have so much crime. People really seem to lack empathy for others. Leave a door unlocked? I think you answered your own question...we have so much crime because people lack empathy, because children aren't raised with negative consequences for negative behavior, and they have no respect for the people around them. Still, people have a general awareness of right and wrong, things everyone knows without being taught. I guess the problem is when a persons pride or greed or whatever speaks louder to them than their conscience. I honestly have no problem with the way these guys are treated. I think it's about time someone in the criminal justice system take off the skirt and treat bad people like bad people. Mona, I think the "chosen criminal" thing is more for people who commit crimes WILLINGLY, as in, they plan them, etc etc. Your son does NOT fall into that category at all. What happened to him could have happened to ANY OF US. how does the family of the Lady who died feel about everything? Was she a mother,wife,daughter? how does her husband,children or parents feel about everything? These things happen every day in every city in this country!! I feel unexplainable sorry for your Son, and the memories that will remain with him, More so for the Family of the Lady who died. but that is not the point! we are talking about one mans approach to fighting crime. if you really want to know about Sheriff Arpaio? Talk to the Family members of the Victums that have been Murdered or Raped or beaten so badly that they will NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN! then tell us all about how you feel they should be treated, handled or rehablitated. when that Repeat Offender comes into your life,What are you going to do about it. if AZ. would let him go, we could sure use him in Los Angeles! Leroy The rich get richer and the poor get prison. Pip
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