John,

I was elected to lead, to remove politics from the Office of the Sheriff and make lasting change for the benefit of the community. I am committed to efforts that improve policing and restore transparency, trust and accountability between law enforcement and those we serve. I am committed to making the right decisions and will always speak the truth even when it is unpopular.

I have consistently stated that I believe there is a model where law enforcement can provide shared responsibilities and investigate deadly use of force incidents on behalf of other jurisdictions.  Yet, in order to be successful, these efforts must be grounded in ethical, operational and structural processes that deliver sustainable results. 

Last week, I spoke in opposition to a well-intended but inadequate and insufficient piece of legislation regarding third party investigations of use of force incidents because I know we can and must do better. 

The proposed legislation only applied to two of the fifteen counties in Arizona; there was no funding support or training requirements; there was no obligation to enhance transparency; and there was no civilian engagement. If it had passed it would have stifled future efforts to make impactful change. 

Supporters of the bill claim it was widely supported by law enforcement, but the only law enforcement association that gave its full support was the same organization who supported SB-1070 and endorsed former Sheriff Arpaio. They are also the same organization who would like to abolish the Brady List for officers and deputies who have violated serious policies.  Shouldn’t that tell us something?

While I am opposed to this legislation, I am not opposed to this concept. Over the past several months I have met with mayors and colleagues on this same issue. I am working with Police Chiefs to build a comprehensive county wide task force of highly trained multi-jurisdictional detectives who will be responsible to investigate law enforcement incidents resulting in death.  Agencies will no longer investigate their own incidents. Civilians will participate to help with transparency and prosecutors will be integral to the process.  I will pursue funding for training, overtime and resources.  We will build a system of accountability and integrity, rather than a band aid.



Please don’t be fooled by politics, lobbyists or dishonest information regarding this issue.  I say what I mean, and I do what I say. You deserve more than ineffective legislation, you deserve solutions.  I will do my best to deliver nothing less.



In Service,

Sheriff Paul Penzone











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Penzone for Sheriff
3370 N. Hayden Road #123
Scottsdale AZ 85251 United States