Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s “Tent City” subjected to mass protest: Last night, thousands of people protested outside of the outdoor facilities that Maricopa County, Az. uses to jail its prisoners, a cost-saving measure implemented by Arpaio which many consider inhumane. Many of the protesters wore shirts and held signs that said “Standing on the side of love,” which is a slogan used by the Unitarian Universalist Association. The religious group was holding a convention in nearby Phoenix this weekend. (photo by Matt York/AP)
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Leadership starts at the top. All of the alleged violations that are outlined in the complaint are the product of a culture of disregard for basic rights within the culture of MCSO that starts at the top and pervades the organization.Assistant Attorney General Thomas Perez • Commenting on the Department of Justice’s decision to sue infamous Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, alleging a pattern of abuse towards Latino inmates. The decision follows the conclusion of a three year investigation, and is the second time that the Department of Justice has filed suit against Arpaio for his conduct as sheriff. In 1997, the DOJ accused Arpaio and his employees of using excessive force on inmates, though the case was ultimately settled outside of court. When asked about the 1997 lawsuit, Perez said that the settlement in that case lacked oversight, and as a result the demanded reforms ”proved not to be sustainable.” source (via • follow)
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