Phoenix Citizen Taxpayers Seek Law Enforcement Solution to Protect Homes, Businesses, Customers, Property & Employees

(Phoenix, AZ) - Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio has been asked to bring a law enforcement solution to the growing street crime crisis along Phoenix’s Thomas Road business district and neighboring residential areas by area small business owners and homeowners.  Judicial Watch, the public interest group that investigates and prosecutes government corruption, is assisting the businesses and home owners by promoting a law-and-order solution to the community street crime problem.

Faced with a growing criminal element engaged in trespass, solicitation, loitering, drug dealing, sexual harassment, public urination and defecation and other street crime, small businesses have had to bear additional costly business expenses to employ off-duty sheriff’s deputies for protection.  “Day laborers,” the vast majority of whom are illegal aliens, have been often involved in area street crime issues.  Phoenix Police routinely ignore the street crime problem, responding very selectively to only the most egregious crimes that simply cannot be ignored due to violence or loss of property.  The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office is the only law enforcement agency enforcing both federal and state immigration laws in Arizona.  The community letter reads in part:

“We call upon Sheriff Arpaio to restore law and order to this area.  The policies and practices of the Phoenix Police Department are damaging our businesses, driving down home values and destroying our community.  We’re tired of the political double-talk and excuses.  We’re tired of being harassed and victimized.  Sheriff Arpaio needs to take strong action to restore safety to our community.”

Judicial Watch has worked with the local community and Sheriff Arpaio in Phoenix for several months on the illegal immigration issue.  Judicial Watch is also considering a lawsuit involving a Phoenix Police sanctuary policy (Operations Order 1.4.3), which illegally prevents Phoenix police officers from communicating with federal immigration authorities.  (Under pressure from Judicial Watch, Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon renounced his previous support for this sanctuary policy.)

“The Phoenix business community is fed up with a lack of law enforcement in their community.  Sheriff Arpaio has been responsive in the past to the community’s concerns about illegal immigration, so we are confident he’ll pay attention to this latest plea for help,” stated Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton.

A full copy of the community’s letter to Sheriff Arpaio is available on the Judicial Watch Internet site.  See below to read the attached letter or click here.

January 15, 2008

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