Under fire by the U.S. Justice Department

http://abcnews.go.com/WN/arizona-sheriff-joe-arpaio-investigation-us-department-justice/story?id=11556736&page=1
     It’s a sad day in America when a person is not allowed to do the job that they have been appointed to do without being subjected to false accusations brought on by individuals with an ulterior agenda.

     I’ve been elected by the people of this city to ensure that we as a sheriff’s office provide a safe place for them to live and to apprehend those who break the law. I approach this responsibility with a great deal of importance and dignity.

     I am being falsely accused of violating the Civil Rights of Latinos based on the fact that they feel that I am unfairly targeting them with unlawful actions ranging from inappropriate searches of their person to not adequately providing officers/staff that can assist individuals that do not speak English fluently. I find these allegations to be unfounded and teetering on the brink of absurdity.

     I’ve concluded that this all stems from opponents of the proposed immigration law that our state is attempting to bring into legislation. They are using me as a political springboard to accentuate their discontent for the proposed new law. By implicating me, a sheriff who is known for being what some would perceive as “too tough” on criminals and illegal immigrants, and incorporating a few allegations of misconduct with a Civil Rights overtone to it, it would seem to be a sure-fire way to drum up support for the demise of the immigration law that is on hold and it would possibly increase the likelihood of the bill being shot down by the higher courts. If these individuals are successful at portraying that our office is guilty of violating the Civil Rights of Latinos without the immigration law in effect, it falsely gives the impression that Latinos would be more likely to face discrimination and have their rights potentially violated if the immigration law was to go into effect.

     I find it very odd that prior to the immigration bill that our state is attempting to institute (that I am a known proponent of), the vast majority of the general public found my law enforcement tactics and inmate treatment to be productive and effective. Statistics will show that crime in my jurisdiction has decreased significantly during my tenure as sheriff.

     I understand that it is the duty of the U.S. Justice Department to investigate allegations of this nature, however there is clearly another motive at hand and if one would take time to explore all the facts, you will clearly see that the cry of Civil Rights violations by these individuals is the cover up for the real agenda and is a secondary issue. This is nothing short of a mandatory witch-hunt by the Justice Department to ensure protocol is executed as it pertains to these allegations. The Justice Department claims that I’m being defiant and obstructing their investigation. We are complying with all inquires and we are providing all requested documentation that they have requested as evidence to support the allegations.

     The safety of the citizens in our county and surrounding areas is our top priority. As sheriff my job is to ensure that the people of this county are able to go about their business in a carefree manner and to feel safe while doing it. I will continue to be tough on individuals who break the law in my county. If that results in ruffling a few feathers along the way, I will continue to do so as long as my approach to crime and rehabilitating inmates fall within the parameters of local, state, and federal law enforcement guidelines.

     I am not a racist nor do I support or encourage racial profiling by my deputies. We take a tough stance on crime in this county and everyone has two simple options: 1) Abide by the laws of our state, or 2) Go commit your crimes elsewhere…