Sheriff Paul Penzone dishes on MCSO’s biggest accomplishment, regret of 2019
Dec 17, 2019, 7:30 PM
PHOENIX — It’s been quite the year for Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone and his agency.
Between a report on continued racial profiling during traffic stops, a mix-up resulting in a disabled veteran temporarily losing his home, the reemergence of political rival Joe Arpaio and more, there was a lot on Penzone’s plate in 2019.
Penzone dished on the agency’s biggest accomplishment and regret of the year on KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Gaydos in the Afternoon on Tuesday.
“The accomplishment is the men and women of the organization have been inspired by this re-establishing a healthy, strong relationship with everyone we serve,” Penzone said.
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Penzone said the agency hired 350 detention officers and 100 deputies during the calendar year in an attempt to revamp its image.
MCSO has been under court oversight since a federal judge ruled in 2013 that the agency racially profiled Latinos under then-Sheriff Arpaio.
Penzone has previously said that MCSO has been taking steps to comply with the court demands since he took office in 2017.
“Our people feel good and the people we care for feel good about it,” Penzone said. “The level of excitement of people joining the office is obvious.”
As for the agency’s biggest regret of the year, Penzone wouldn’t single out a specific moment.
He just wants to be a better leader and manage certain moments more appropriately.
“There were some moments I could have managed a little better to make sure the community understands I represent the organization,” Penzone said. “I got to represent the men and women with dignity and respect.”
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