AKA Joseph M. Arpaio

Born: 14-Jun-1932
Birthplace: Springfield, MA

Gender: Male
Race or Ethnicity: White
Sexual orientation: Straight
Occupation: Government
Party Affiliation: Republican

Nationality: United States
Executive summary: Loony sheriff of Maricopa Co., AZ

Military service: US Army (1950-53)

Publicity-hungry Joe Arpaio is proud to be called "America's Toughest Sheriff". Elected in 1992, Arpaio oversees the jail in Maricopa County, Arizona. In 1993 Sheriff Joe created Tent City Jail, an immense outdoor facility housing 2,000 inmates near Phoenix. Worked them in chain gangs (both men and women). Dressed them all in striped uniforms and pink underwear. His website brags:

Arpaio doesn't believe in coddling criminals, frequently saying that jails should not be country clubs. He banned smoking, coffee, pornographic magazines, movies and unrestricted television in all jails. He has the cheapest meals in the country too. The average inmate meal costs under 20 cents.

Posted live webcam feeds of holding cells on the Sheriff's Department website.

Appeared on an episode Politically Incorrect in 1996, during which he failed to impress host Bill Maher, who quipped: "I can respect the toughest sheriff, but I can't respect the stupidest sheriff." Recruited 2,700 county residents for a volunteer posse. In 2004, he forced illegal aliens to register for the draft.

Wife: Ava (m. 1956)

    Arizona State Official Sheriff, Maricopa County, AZ (1992-)
    Italian Ancestry

Official Website:
http://www.mcso.org/

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