Maricopa County Seeks End to Federal Oversight of Sheriff’s Office

Maricopa County Seeks to Conclude Federal Oversight in Racial Profiling Case

In a significant development, Maricopa County has officially requested that a judge bring an end to the federal oversight of its Sheriff’s Office, a move that comes amidst ongoing efforts to reform internal practices and eliminate racial bias, particularly against Latino drivers. This oversight has been in place following a costly racial profiling case that required the Sheriff’s Office to make substantial changes.

The oversight is currently managed by a court-appointed monitor who ensures that the Sheriff’s Office complies with the necessary reforms. In a prepared statement, Tom Galvin, chairman of the Board of Supervisors, emphasized the importance of accountability to voters and the protection of taxpayer dollars. He stated, “One of my priorities as chairman was to protect you and your hard earned taxpayer dollars. In our federalist system, elected officials are accountable to voters. This filing is a culmination of that effort.”

Although the motion to terminate oversight is officially submitted, it bears signatures only from the county’s legal representatives. Judge Murray Snow had previously outlined that all parties involved must agree to end oversight once the Sheriff’s Office demonstrates sustained compliance with reforms for a minimum of three consecutive years. He remarked, “And maintain such compliance for no less than three continuous years. So the parties can move at that point for the termination of the monitor.”