PHOENIX (RTW News) — The sheriff’s office for metro Phoenix has come under fire for allegedly spending millions of dollars earmarked for compliance in a racial profiling case on unnecessary expenditures, according to an expert report released Wednesday. The analysis reveals that the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office misallocated funds that were supposed to be used for compliance with a court-ordered overhaul of the agency's operations following findings of racial profiling during the tenure of former Sheriff Joe Arpaio.
Critics have pointed out that the funds were instead used for personnel costs and projects not connected to the mandated reforms. The report highlights alarming financial decisions, including $2.8 million spent on excess body-worn camera licenses, $1.5 million spent on renovating an internal affairs office, and over $1.3 million on purchasing new vehicles, alongside an $11,000 golf cart for staff transport, despite already leased parking.
These financial mishandlings have raised concerns among Maricopa County taxpayers, who have borne the fiscal burden aimed at rectifying constitutional violations identified in a 2013 verdict against Arpaio’s administration for targeting immigrants with discriminatory traffic patrols from 2008 until 2011. The county's legal expenditures connected to the case are reported to have reached $323 million to date, with estimates suggesting costs could rise to $352 million by July 2026.
The report revealed that 72% of the $226 million in spending by the sheriff’s office since early 2014 was either wrongly classified or misappropriated from compliance funds. Budget analysts found that about 70% of positions funded through compliance money were not appropriately assigned.
In light of these revelations, Sheriff Jerry Sheridan's office stated that it is reviewing the report and addressing concerns presented. Community advisory board member Raul Piña emphasized that the findings warrant serious discussions about the integrity of the sheriff's department. County officials criticized the prolonged court oversight and highlighted the excessive costs of monitoring the sheriff's office, which have been ongoing since 2014.
Despite improvements in some areas, like traffic stop practices, the sheriff's office continues to face scrutiny over its accountability and the complex legacy of racial profiling issues in its operations.
Critics have pointed out that the funds were instead used for personnel costs and projects not connected to the mandated reforms. The report highlights alarming financial decisions, including $2.8 million spent on excess body-worn camera licenses, $1.5 million spent on renovating an internal affairs office, and over $1.3 million on purchasing new vehicles, alongside an $11,000 golf cart for staff transport, despite already leased parking.
These financial mishandlings have raised concerns among Maricopa County taxpayers, who have borne the fiscal burden aimed at rectifying constitutional violations identified in a 2013 verdict against Arpaio’s administration for targeting immigrants with discriminatory traffic patrols from 2008 until 2011. The county's legal expenditures connected to the case are reported to have reached $323 million to date, with estimates suggesting costs could rise to $352 million by July 2026.
The report revealed that 72% of the $226 million in spending by the sheriff’s office since early 2014 was either wrongly classified or misappropriated from compliance funds. Budget analysts found that about 70% of positions funded through compliance money were not appropriately assigned.
In light of these revelations, Sheriff Jerry Sheridan's office stated that it is reviewing the report and addressing concerns presented. Community advisory board member Raul Piña emphasized that the findings warrant serious discussions about the integrity of the sheriff's department. County officials criticized the prolonged court oversight and highlighted the excessive costs of monitoring the sheriff's office, which have been ongoing since 2014.
Despite improvements in some areas, like traffic stop practices, the sheriff's office continues to face scrutiny over its accountability and the complex legacy of racial profiling issues in its operations.
