The Justice Department on Thursday accused Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio of violating constitutional and civil rights in a ?pattern of misconduct? that involved targeting and mistreating Latinos.
The Obama administration?s report found there was ?reasonable cause? to believe Arpaio was involved in discriminatory policing practices, such as unlawful stops, detentions and arrests of Hispanics; discriminatory jail practices against Latino inmates with limited proficiency in English by punishing them and denying certain services; and unlawful retaliation against individuals criticizing the office?s practices.
Continue ReadingArpaio, a sheriff known for his tough treatment of inmates, has been highly sought-after in the conservative community for his tough-on-crime and tough-on-immigration credentials. Last month, the sheriff endorsed Texas Gov. Rick Perry for president.
His tenure as sheriff has not been without controversy - in fact, he?s drawn the ire of many pro-immigration advocates because of his strong support for Arizona?s immigration law, SB 1070, regarded as one of the toughest in the nation.
The Justice Department?s investigation also found evidence that Arpaio?s Maricopa County Sherriff?s Office (MCSO) had used excessive force; did not adequately protect Latino residents, and failed to properly investigate sexual assault allegations.
?MCSO?s systematic disregard for basic constitutional protections has created a wall of distrust between the sheriff?s office and large segments of the community, which dramatically compromises the ability to protect and serve the people,? said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department?s Civil Rights Division. ?The problems are deeply rooted in MCSO?s culture, and are compounded by MCSO?s penchant for retaliation against individuals who speak out.?
The Justice Department said that it would work with Arpaio?s office to develop a ?comprehensive reform plan? to address the alleged violations of the constitution and federal civil rights law. Arpaio?s office has to decide by Jan. 4 whether it will take part in talks about reforms, or else the Justice Department will sue him to force complaince, according to a letter from the DoJ.
The Justice Department?s involved more than 400 interviews, including with MCSO supervisors and deputies, as well as former inmates. It also involved reviewing thousands of pages of the office?s documents and reaching out to the local community.
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