ARIZONA NEWS

Sheriff Penzone welcomes citizen input, but not interference during election season

Oct 13, 2022, 1:45 PM

(Facebook Photo/Maricopa County Sheriff's Office)...

(Facebook Photo/Maricopa County Sheriff's Office)

(Facebook Photo/Maricopa County Sheriff's Office)

PHOENIX – If local ballot drop boxes are going to be under surveillance from organized private citizens, Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone has a piece of advice for would-be watchers: watch your step.

“I’m all for citizen involvement and investment and trying to keep the community safe,” Penzone told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Arizona’s Morning News on Thursday.

“But make sure you understand what your actions are and [what] the ramifications to your actions are.”

Election officials around the country are seeing extremist groups encouraging supporters to keep watch over ballot drop-off locations, including the Yavapai County Preparedness Team, whose YouTube channel page reads: “We have operated for five years in Yavapai County as Oath Keepers of Yavapai County.”

The preparedness team’s Lions of Liberty did something similar ahead of the August primary, calling the campaign Operation Drop Box.

Early voting is underway in Arizona for the Nov. 8 general election.

“Now, if you’re watching the polls because you want to be acting as the eyes and ears of law enforcement should there be a problem and you’re going to report it to us to act on, then that’s great,” Penzone said.

“But if you’re going to take the law into your own hands and act when you don’t really have the authority or the knowledge to determine if a law is [being broken], and what your authority is acting on it, you’re going to become someone who’s in the space of potentially committing a crime.”

Penzone said before the primary that deputies on duty at polling location would not tolerate disruptions to the voting process.

The same will hold true next month, he said.

“There are folks, unfortunately, who feel force and violence is an option. When it comes to this, we’re not going to be tolerant of that so we have to meet, I know this sounds really aggressive, but meet force with force,” Penzone said.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Integrated Biometrics Chandler Arizona 2025...

Serena O'Sullivan

Integrated Biometrics expanding its Chandler research facility

PHOENIX — Companies curious about incorporating biometrics into their workflows can now visit a Chandler research facility to test new technologies through interactive exhibits. Integrated Biometrics, a South Carolina-based company, has a facility in Chandler near Kyrene Road and Chandler Boulevard. The company recently expanded its Chandler facility by around 8,000 square feet, according to […]

39 minutes ago

Arizona State Parks and Trails will raise fees....

Lance Hartzler

Arizona State Parks and Trails fees to increase at more than 30 locations

PHOENIX — Visitors to Arizona parks and trails are going to be paying a little more starting on Feb. 25. Arizona State Parks and Trails, which does not rely on taxpayer dollars to operate parks, announced Thursday that the agency will increase fees on entrances, camping and tour tickets for its 33 locations to help […]

54 minutes ago

fentanyl pills, fentanyl bust Phoenix...

KTAR.com

Weekend Wrap: Here are the biggest Phoenix news stories from Feb. 7-9

Here are some of the top Valley news stories from Feb. 7-9, including a Phoenix man being pulled over with more than 100,000 fentanyl pills.

12 hours ago

Economists foresee labor shortages in construction and agriculture as a result of President Donald ...

Matthew DeWees and Katrina Michalak/Cronkite News

Donald Trump’s mass deportations could mean higher costs and labor shortages in Arizona

Deportations ordered by President Trump could hit Arizona’s agriculture and construction sectors hard, pushing up prices for shoppers.

16 hours ago

Immigration Arizona criminal charges 565 people USAO...

Payne Moses

More than 500 charged with immigration-related crime in Arizona over recent 2-week period

From Jan. 21-Feb. 3, a total of 565 people were charged with illegal immigration activity by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Arizona.

19 hours ago

Two Valley freeway ramps will be closed for the next two months....

Kevin Stone

2 Valley on-ramps closing for 2 months as part of freeway improvement projects

A couple of metro Phoenix freeway ramps are closing for the next two months as part of ongoing improvement projects.

23 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Asset Preservation Wealth & Tax

How to optimize the most money in 2024 tax returns

As tax season begins, getting your financials in order is important to maximize your tax return.

...

Bright Wealth Management

How IRAs are a helpful tool in retirement planning

When it comes to retirement planning, individual retirement accounts (IRAs) can be a great tool for income growth.

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to save money on retirement planning following 2024 election

PHOENIX -- With the 2024 election over, economic changes could impact how people plan for retirement as 2025 is on the horizon.

Sheriff Penzone welcomes citizen input, but not interference during election season