America's Toughest Sheriff

lady cop · Post by **lady cop** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 7:39 pm

TO THOSE OF YOU NOT FAMILIAR WITH JOE ARPAIO

HE IS THE MARICOPA ARIZONA COUNTY SHERIFF

AND HE KEEPS GETTING ELECTED OVER AND OVER.

THIS IS ONE OF THE REASONS WHY:

Sheriff Joe Arpaio (in Arizona) who created the "tent city jail":

He has jail meals down to 40 cents a serving and charges the inmates for them.

He stopped smoking and porno magazines in the jails. Took away their weights. Cut off all but "G" movies.

He started chain gangs so the inmates could do free work on county and city projects.

Then he started chain gangs for women so he wouldn't get sued for discrimination.

He took away cable TV until he found out there was a federal court order that required cable TV for jails. So he hooked! up the cable TV again only let in the Disney channel and the weather channel.

When asked why the weather channel he replied, so they will know how hot it's gonna be while they are working on my chain gangs.

He cut off coffee since it has zero nutritional value.

When the inmates complained, he told them, "This isn't the Ritz/Carlton. If you don't like it, don't come back"

More on the Arizona Sheriff:

With temperatures being even hotter than usual in Phoenix (116 degrees just set a new record), the Associated Press reports: About 2,000 inmates living in a barbed-wire-surrounded tent encampment at the Maricopa County Jail have been given permission to strip down to their government-issued pink boxer shorts.

On Wednesday, hundreds of men wearing boxers were either curled up on their bunk beds or chatted in the tents, which reached 138 degrees inside the week before.

Many were also swathed in wet, pink towels as sweat collected on their chests and dripped down to their pink socks.

"It feels like we are in a furnace," said James Zanzot, an inmate who has lived in the tents for 1 1/2 years. "It's inhumane."

Joe Arpaio, the tough-guy sheriff who created the tent city and long ago started making his prisoners wear pink, and eat bologna sandwiches, is not one bit sympathetic He said Wednesday that he told all of the inmates: "It's 120 degrees in Iraq and our soldiers are living in tents too, and they have to wear full battle gear, but they didn't commit any crimes, so shut your damned mouths!"

Way to go, Sheriff! Maybe if all prisons were like this one there would be a lot less crime and/or repeat offenders. Criminals should be punished for their crimes - not live in luxury until it's time for their parole, only to go out and commit another crime so they can get back in to live on taxpayers money and enjoy things taxpayers can't afford to have for themselves (this came to me in an email, i am not the author of item LC)

Attached files

Lon · Post by **Lon** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 8:02 pm

I saw a piece on 60 Minutes about him a few years ago. He's some kind of Sheriff. They need more like him.

Bullet · Post by **Bullet** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 8:08 pm

I think I'm getting chocked up here......it's beautiful. (bwaaaahaaaa):-1 They should call him The Duke, after John Wayne.

koan · Post by **koan** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 8:15 pm

I worked on a western series for 2 years. I think he was in it. Some inmate clocked him upside the head...oh, that was the tv show.

I think it's a good idea, but then I don't plan on being there.

BabyRider · Post by **BabyRider** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 8:31 pm

I wonder what his "repeat offender" count is like?

I remember hearing about this guy a few years back, and I liked it just as much than as I do now. "Inhumane"??? What about whatever it was that this moron did that got him sent there in the first place? LC, are these guys all violent offenders, or is this like the county lock-up, where everyone who gets arrested for probation violation etc., goes?

lady cop · Post by **lady cop** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 8:42 pm

it's county, which means any sentence 364 days or less. it can be violent, such as domestic violence, child abuse, battery. sometimes people are in the county lockup more than a year because they are awaiting trial.

BabyRider · Post by **BabyRider** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 8:47 pm

LC, will you forward that email to me, please? I want to send it to my Dad, he'll love it!

lady cop · Post by **lady cop** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 8:51 pm

10-4

Beth · Post by **Beth** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 8:54 pm

I understand his desire to make prison unbearable, but this really is inhumane. The temperatures there are dangerous and he has them living in hot tent encampments. After having two heat strokes here in Florida sun and constantly finding myself reaching the danger point during peak hours in summer, a place like that would be nearly impossible for me to survive.

Beth · Post by **Beth** » Sat Mar 19, 2005 7:31 am

It does not matter if someone died or not, what matters is: Is it cruel and unusual punishment?

You've been to tent city many times? So I assume that it was not a detterant to keep you from commiting crime. Am I correct?

Tombstone · Post by **Tombstone** » Sat Mar 19, 2005 12:35 pm

Cruel and unusual is to have a crime committed against you.

To have to live in tents, not have porn, lacking 200 channel cable, no workout rooms, no cigarettes, etc. is like living in the early 20th century and late 19th century out west!

These men and women still have less hardships than our pioneers and early settlers.

The focus should be on the victims, not the criminals.

Peg · Post by **Peg** » Sat Mar 19, 2005 3:18 pm

Tombstone wrote: Cruel and unusual is to have a crime committed against you.

To have to live in tents, not have porn, lacking 200 channel cable, no workout rooms, no cigarettes, etc. is like living in the early 20th century and late 19th century out west!

These men and women still have less hardships than our pioneers and early settlers.

The focus should be on the victims, not the criminals.

AMEN!

koan · Post by **koan** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 12:55 am

Easy wrote: Oops! I've been found out. Man I hate it when that happens. :wah:

My profession has taken me to many jails and prisons to study the environment. There is always a potential for inmates to sue the institution for harsh and unusual punishment due to indoor polution or other harmful exposures.

Any successful lawsuits at tent city...or is that confidential info?

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Mon Mar 21, 2005 2:34 am

I went to college in Phoenix. I lived there for three years. I have a t-shirt that reads 'I survived 120 degrees in phoenix arizona'. It IS a drier kind of heat. There is some humidity, but it's not unbearable. Not like Arkansas. But I'm still betting the hottest place on earth is YUMA!

BTS · Post by **BTS** » Mon Mar 21, 2005 4:56 pm

Joe Arpaio ROCKS:

A few links to his site.

http://www.mcso.org/submenu.asp?file=ab ... iff&page=1

http://www.mcso.org/submenu.asp?file=cards

lyke_27 · Post by **lyke_27** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 11:05 am

Comments

I am currently in tent city out on work release. I must say I can definitely see some points of making jail an unpleasant place however, when ones health and safety are to be sacrificed to do so I beleive that the crime should fit the punishment. I received a DUI with fines reaching into the 3,000 dollar range. Does this also mean that I deserve to be crammed in a 7'x7' room with 20+ other inmates with no ventilation for 6 hours in sweltering heat with lack of sufficient oxygen or even a place to sit or squat? Does this mean that I should then be forced to strip of all outer clothing and stood outdoors for another 3 hours in the below freezing night air as the sweat freezes to my body? (temperatures reaching 28 degrees)You are told you may bring some personal hygene items in and then you are forced to promptly throw away your toothbrush, soap ect upon arrival. (of course you need to "buy" it from the wonderful vending machines.) Also someone is making a mint on the vending machines installed inside because the food (with the exception of the rotten fruit) is completely unedible.Im guessing the meat came from some rendering service, sterilized to prevent disease.I am very curious to know who owns the vending machines because they are getting filthy stinking RICH. The toilets are ALL completely clogged and overflowing causing a putrid stench to bathe the entire site with a horrendous smell. The drinking fountains dont work and unless you dont mind drinking spoiled milk, you will soon become dehydrated. The only means of sustenance is the vending machines and unless you want to stand in line for an additional 4 hours to get to them, you are quickly going to starve.

I have lived in the Pheonix are for over a year and since I have been here I have NEVER seen more drugs and illegal activities than I have seen inside tent city.

Dont worry though because this wonderful administration has taken proactive measures against all the things I've mentioned as follows:

1: Drinking water barrels are installed with lids off to one side allowing birds to crap in.

2: People just urinate ouside the tents we sleep in bringing the smell closer to "home".

3: Loved ones are allowed to bring money to the victims for the vending machines. (which of course the victim never receives)

4: Each victim receives 2 blankets upon arrival (wich hold the consistancy of a bed sheet)to keep the below freezing temperatures at bay.

I realize that this is not supposed to be a vacation however there are laws against cruel and unusual punishment in this country and we arent allowed to treat our ANIMALS this way much less people. Death row inmates are treated better and for everyone saying "way to go Joe!" is a sick demented person and may God show you people the same mercy. And as for the troops being over there in "full battle gear" and so on and so on. First of all they CHOSE to make that sacrifice for their country, they are taken care of (cooling packs, blankets for the cold ect.) they are fed well, sheltered in a healthy environment, letters and gifts from home are RECEIVED. I am a veteran of Desert Storm so dont give me any of this "what about the soldiers" CRAP!

Yes, I made a grave mistake getting into a vehicle after consuming some alchohol. Fines and jail time are WELL DESERVED! Is it to much to ask to be able to go home healthy to my wife and child when my time is served? Or is it some sort of "justice" to you sickos, that I bring with me some lasting health conditions and possibly some diseases to my undeserving 4 year old. Wake up people! Realize that people make mistakes and next time it could be YOU.

RedGlitter · Post by **RedGlitter** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 11:20 am

Quite frankly, if you were DUI, you cared not about anyone you might take out and only about your own self, so yes, I think your punishment fits very well. Everyone knows not to drive drunk. There is no "mistake."

Lon · Post by **Lon** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 1:31 pm

lyke_27;741712 wrote: Comments

I am currently in tent city out on work release. I must say I can definitely see some points of making jail an unpleasant place however, when ones health and safety are to be sacrificed to do so I beleive that the crime should fit the punishment. I received a DUI with fines reaching into the 3,000 dollar range. Does this also mean that I deserve to be crammed in a 7'x7' room with 20+ other inmates with no ventilation for 6 hours in sweltering heat with lack of sufficient oxygen or even a place to sit or squat? Does this mean that I should then be forced to strip of all outer clothing and stood outdoors for another 3 hours in the below freezing night air as the sweat freezes to my body? (temperatures reaching 28 degrees)You are told you may bring some personal hygene items in and then you are forced to promptly throw away your toothbrush, soap ect upon arrival. (of course you need to "buy" it from the wonderful vending machines.) Also someone is making a mint on the vending machines installed inside because the food (with the exception of the rotten fruit) is completely unedible.Im guessing the meat came from some rendering service, sterilized to prevent disease.I am very curious to know who owns the vending machines because they are getting filthy stinking RICH. The toilets are ALL completely clogged and overflowing causing a putrid stench to bathe the entire site with a horrendous smell. The drinking fountains dont work and unless you dont mind drinking spoiled milk, you will soon become dehydrated. The only means of sustenance is the vending machines and unless you want to stand in line for an additional 4 hours to get to them, you are quickly going to starve.

I have lived in the Pheonix are for over a year and since I have been here I have NEVER seen more drugs and illegal activities than I have seen inside tent city.

Dont worry though because this wonderful administration has taken proactive measures against all the things I've mentioned as follows:

1: Drinking water barrels are installed with lids off to one side allowing birds to crap in.

2: People just urinate ouside the tents we sleep in bringing the smell closer to "home".

3: Loved ones are allowed to bring money to the victims for the vending machines. (which of course the victim never receives)

4: Each victim receives 2 blankets upon arrival (wich hold the consistancy of a bed sheet)to keep the below freezing temperatures at bay.

I realize that this is not supposed to be a vacation however there are laws against cruel and unusual punishment in this country and we arent allowed to treat our ANIMALS this way much less people. Death row inmates are treated better and for everyone saying "way to go Joe!" is a sick demented person and may God show you people the same mercy. And as for the troops being over there in "full battle gear" and so on and so on. First of all they CHOSE to make that sacrifice for their country, they are taken care of (cooling packs, blankets for the cold ect.) they are fed well, sheltered in a healthy environment, letters and gifts from home are RECEIVED. I am a veteran of Desert Storm so dont give me any of this "what about the soldiers" CRAP!

Yes, I made a grave mistake getting into a vehicle after consuming some alchohol. Fines and jail time are WELL DESERVED! Is it to much to ask to be able to go home healthy to my wife and child when my time is served? Or is it some sort of "justice" to you sickos, that I bring with me some lasting health conditions and possibly some diseases to my undeserving 4 year old. Wake up people! Realize that people make mistakes and next time it could be YOU.

Hopefully, you have learned from your mistake. Frankly, it wouldn't be a bad idea for all DUI's to receive the same benevolent treatment that you received.

mrsK · Post by **mrsK** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 1:36 pm

At least you are still "alive" there are a lot of innocent people who have paid the major sacrifice because someone was DUI .

lyke_27 · Post by **lyke_27** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 8:27 am

To Red Glitter: You have no idea the circumstances behind my DUI and quite frankly I could care less because its quite obvious you think your perfect. The state considers rinsing with MOUTHWASH a DUI. (Im not joking, an Intoxilizer 5000 with show a BAC of .087) So if you will kindly leave your uneducated responses unspoken (in other words ) the people who are victims of this cruel and unusual punishment would greatly appreciate it. If you think that having one beer and driving is worth a penalty of permanent kidney damage, selmanila poisoning, possible bird flue, starvation, hypothermia, dehydration, extortion, skin disease, ect. ect. not just for the perpetrator but to take home to his unsuspecting family too, then you are a twisted person and you should move to a communist country jerk. Just wait until you or one of YOUR loved one has to suffer unjustly then we will see. P.S. Making a bad decision IS considered a mistake .

Also, NEVER was I attempting to "justify" a DUI. It is most definitely unacceptable and even I have lost freinds AND loved ones to it. I am simply trying to convey that the punishment should fit the crime. This "off with his head" crap is for communists. People make mistakes and have lapses in judgement, it is human nature. If one person here can honestly say that they have not then I would definitely like to meet you. (I cant wait to meet Jesus) Alchohol is an inhibitor and adds to your ability to make "bad" decisions. My solution: I dont drink anymore. Period. Not one, not a sip. It is the only sure way to prevent a "lapse" in judgement. I might also add that it most definitely is NOT because of my horrendous punishment but instead because of my family and the fact that I was blessed by being able to learn this lesson without anyone being injured or killed.

The offenders who repeatedly drink and drive and those who kill people deseve a harsher punishment than the guy who had one beer and passes ALL feild sobriety tests, harming no-one. A victimless crime. Yes, he still deserves punishment because eventually it can lead to some being injured or even killed if unchecked but to throw him in a place were he can pick up some disease to take home to his innocent wife and child or be injured or killed himself? Come on people. Lets get real. Thats like saying you agree with chopping off ones hands for stealing.

Post by **spot** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 8:40 am

Lyke, is it true that once you're released you have no vote to change the system with? You'd think that after educating you in the ways of your country they'd empower you to improve it.

lyke_27 · Post by **lyke_27** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 8:50 am

Update: I did some investigating and solved the food situation. Joe's BROTHER owns the vending machine buisness in tent city. Hmmmmm. Makes sense to me.

A: make the food unedible

B: allow inmates to have up to $40 at a time

C: make the water undrinkable

D: scheme with your brother to have vending machines installed with pop, water, chips, burritos ect.

E: SIT BACK AND GET RICH. (I spoke with a inmate volunteer last night who helps restock the machines. Just ONE of the 12 machines has sold over 380,000 items.)

I think Joe and his brother should get a taste of the misery they have created because THEY are the real criminals.

lyke_27 · Post by **lyke_27** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 8:57 am

spot;743228 wrote: Lyke, is it true that once you're released you have no vote to change the system with? You'd think that after educating you in the ways of your country they'd empower you to improve it.

Actually YES, I can still vote. And I do, and will continue to.

Im a single voice and I happen to be one of those people who beleive in the so called "conspiracy" theory. I think that the government is slowly methodicaly making us all slaves to the system and also that voting is a sham. The Bush "recount" just confirmed that. The people with all the money make the decisions in this country NOT the general public.

mikeinie · Post by **mikeinie** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 9:09 am

Does he say stuff like:

â€˜What we've got here is a failure to communicateâ€¦.â€™

RedGlitter · Post by **RedGlitter** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 11:56 am

lyke_27;743217 wrote: To Red Glitter: You have no idea the circumstances behind my DUI and quite frankly I could care less because its quite obvious you think your perfect. The state considers rinsing with MOUTHWASH a DUI. (Im not joking, an Intoxilizer 5000 with show a BAC of .087) So if you will kindly leave your uneducated responses unspoken (in other words ) the people who are victims of this cruel and unusual punishment would greatly appreciate it. If you think that having one beer and driving is worth a penalty of permanent kidney damage, selmanila poisoning, possible bird flue, starvation, hypothermia, dehydration, extortion, skin disease, ect. ect. not just for the perpetrator but to take home to his unsuspecting family too, then you are a twisted person and you should move to a communist country jerk. Just wait until you or one of YOUR loved one has to suffer unjustly then we will see. P.S. Making a bad decision IS considered a mistake .

Also, NEVER was I attempting to "justify" a DUI. It is most definitely unacceptable and even I have lost freinds AND loved ones to it. I am simply trying to convey that the punishment should fit the crime. This "off with his head" crap is for communists. People make mistakes and have lapses in judgement, it is human nature. If one person here can honestly say that they have not then I would definitely like to meet you. (I cant wait to meet Jesus) Alchohol is an inhibitor and adds to your ability to make "bad" decisions. My solution: I dont drink anymore. Period. Not one, not a sip. It is the only sure way to prevent a "lapse" in judgement. I might also add that it most definitely is NOT because of my horrendous punishment but instead because of my family and the fact that I was blessed by being able to learn this lesson without anyone being injured or killed.

The offenders who repeatedly drink and drive and those who kill people deseve a harsher punishment than the guy who had one beer and passes ALL feild sobriety tests, harming no-one. A victimless crime. Yes, he still deserves punishment because eventually it can lead to some being injured or even killed if unchecked but to throw him in a place were he can pick up some disease to take home to his innocent wife and child or be injured or killed himself? Come on people. Lets get real. Thats like saying you agree with chopping off ones hands for stealing.

Arrogant Dude:

I live in Arizona and know more about Arpaio than you wish you did. You don't like my answer? It must have struck a nerve.

The only criminal here is you pal, I don't need to know your "circumstances" and frankly I don't care. If you hadn't done the crime, you wouldn't have done the time. I daresay you won't DUI again. If you came here looking for sympathy, you won't find it. Your problem is you refuse to accept responsibility and it's all everybody's fault but yours. I don't think you learned anything from your very fair treatment in Tent City. In fact you brought it all on yourself.

Lon · Post by **Lon** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 1:05 pm

And to add my two cents worth--------we only have your word as to what you feel is mis treatment. You picked a lousy place to bellyache about your treatment. If you want an attentive ear, call or write the ACLU, your local newspaper or TV station.

911 · Post by **911** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 1:27 pm

RedGlitter;743372 wrote: Arrogant Dude:

I live in Arizona and know more about Arpaio than you wish you did. You don't like my answer? It must have struck a nerve.

The only criminal here is you pal, I don't need to know your "circumstances" and frankly I don't care. If you hadn't done the crime, you wouldn't have done the time. I daresay you won't DUI again. If you came here looking for sympathy, you won't find it. Your problem is you refuse to accept responsibility and it's all everybody's fault but yours. I don't think you learned anything from your very fair treatment in Tent City. In fact you brought it all on yourself.

I have to disagree with you here, Red. I think he did learn something and it pissed him off at himself for being so foolish as to make a blunder( a tender term used here) like he did. That's why he's so mad. IMO, unless he gets into a brawl over this topic, I feel he may never see the inside of that tent again. We can hope anyway. Perhaps him getting this ticked will keep him out of there. Unless he moves to another state.

Lyke, did it bother you that other more heinous offenders were there suffering also? Do you think they deserved it? Do child molesters deserve it? Did the child?Or is it just crimes of your nature you are speaking of? How long were you there? Misdemeanor or felony?

I don't know how it is out there, but here there are always inmates suing for one thing or another. Enough of the same complaints would eventually get the attention of a Federal court. Since what I know, which I don't keep up on this, there have not shut it down, ergo, it must not be that bad or it wouldn't be there any longer.

Please, someone, explain to me how the Feds say they can have cable TV but other people feel they should not be forced to withstand the same temps any outside worker does? Doesn't that sound a little funky to you, Lyke? If it was so bad, the courts would have ruled it unconstitutional long ago.

If you had any proof that your illnesses came from the condition of that jail, you would be a rich man. If you care about your child, then behave so you'll be around to enjoy your family.

You did your time and you learned something from it. Now, forget it and live. Let the wife beaters, murderers, molesters, and rapists sweat out their time and contemplate their offenses and hope they don't get out and see your child in a park somewhere.

:-6

mrsK · Post by **mrsK** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 2:03 pm

I like your solution lyke_27

My solution: I dont drink anymore. Period. Not one, not a sip. It is the only sure way to prevent a "lapse" in judgement. I might also add that it most definitely is NOT because of my horrendous punishment but instead because of my family and the fact that I was blessed by being able to learn this lesson without anyone being injured or killed.

suzycreamcheese · Post by **suzycreamcheese** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 2:11 pm

People that treat other people the way that sherriff is treating those prisoners are criminals themselves. How is that any better than DUI???? Seriously?

Crime or criminal is such a emotive term, and it can mean something really benign all the way to some horrible things - all of whom get punished the same way - how can that be fair?

It makes me sick to see people whooping for joy at the way this sadist treats other HUMAN BEINGS.

911 · Post by **911** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 2:33 pm

suzycreamcheese;743463 wrote: People that treat other people the way that sherriff is treating those prisoners are criminals themselves. How is that any better than DUI???? Seriously?

Crime or criminal is such a emotive term, and it can mean something really benign all the way to some horrible things - all of whom get punished the same way - how can that be fair?

It makes me sick to see people whooping for joy at the way this sadist treats other HUMAN BEINGS.

So, murderers should have to stay at Motel 6 and DUI'ers can stay at the Ritz Carlton?

If it is against the law, it is a crime.

Are you suggesting that misdemeanors should be called something like, non-crimes; and only felonies should be called crimes? Oh, wait. . . .they already have a term for that. . .it's called felonies and misdemeanors.:-5

This is what Liberals have done to this country.

Bunch of criminal crybabys. "It's not fair, those aren't my pants and I don't know where that marijuana came from. No, I don't know whose pants these are.":yh_eyerol

mikeinie · Post by **mikeinie** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 2:38 pm

mikeinie;743269 wrote: Does he say stuff like:

â€˜What we've got here is a failure to communicateâ€¦.â€™

:wah::wah:

Oh wait, that was my post...

RedGlitter · Post by **RedGlitter** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 2:43 pm

suzycreamcheese;743463 wrote: People that treat other people the way that sherriff is treating those prisoners are criminals themselves. How is that any better than DUI???? Seriously?

Crime or criminal is such a emotive term, and it can mean something really benign all the way to some horrible things - all of whom get punished the same way - how can that be fair?

It makes me sick to see people whooping for joy at the way this sadist treats other HUMAN BEINGS.

What do you actually know about Joe Arpaio, Suzy, except for what this guy's whining about? Are you previouslyfamiliar with how he handles things or are you just going on the above. I have a lot of respect for Arpaio, Of course criminals don't like him. There's a reason for that.

mikeinie · Post by **mikeinie** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 2:47 pm

This is who they need:

RedGlitter · Post by **RedGlitter** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 2:48 pm

mikeinie;743491 wrote: This is who they need:

Ha! Agreed!!

That was such a good film.

suzycreamcheese · Post by **suzycreamcheese** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 2:58 pm

RedGlitter;743483 wrote: What do you actually know about Joe Arpaio, Suzy, except for what this guy's whining about? Are you previouslyfamiliar with how he handles things or are you just going on the above. I have a lot of respect for Arpaio, Of course criminals don't like him. There's a reason for that.

Are you saying that its not actually true that he treats prisoners like that?

It seems plain that there would be plenty of law abiding people who wouldnt agree with treating others like that. I happen to care about human rights, and I dont think they end because someone has broken the law.

I believe in rehabilitating people, not beating them into submission

RedGlitter · Post by **RedGlitter** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 3:03 pm

suzycreamcheese;743504 wrote: Are you saying that its not actually true that he treats prisoners like that?

It seems plain that there would be plenty of law abiding people who wouldnt agree with treating others like that. I happen to care about human rights, and I dont think they end because someone has broken the law.

I believe in rehabilitating people, not beating them into submission

I've never been a prisoner in Tent City to give you firsthand experience, but I don't personally believe that anyone is beaten into submission. Even Arpaio has limits. So the criminals get bologna sandwiches instead of hot lunches and yes it's either hot or cold being as this is the desert, but I think the grievance is due directly because it's not a plush prison, but one where you do your time properly. I see nothing wrong with how I've understood him to treat prisoners and quite honestly, I think much of the above rant is bogus.

Snooze · Post by **Snooze** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 3:10 pm

Tombstone;43492 wrote: Cruel and unusual is to have a crime committed against you.

To have to live in tents, not have porn, lacking 200 channel cable, no workout rooms, no cigarettes, etc. is like living in the early 20th century and late 19th century out west!

These men and women still have less hardships than our pioneers and early settlers.

The focus should be on the victims, not the criminals.

I think this is a brilliant post (and no, I'm not sucking up to the headguy.) All the complaints about cruel and unusual punishment and this was considered NORMAL living conditions for the area back in the olden days.

RedGlitter · Post by **RedGlitter** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 3:20 pm

Good points , both. Back then, you probably *would* be fed rotten food and filthy water as a rule and there'd be no one to hear you complain. Such as Yuma Territorial.

drumbunny1 · Post by **drumbunny1** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 6:06 pm

lyke_27;743217 wrote: To Red Glitter: You have no idea the circumstances behind my DUI and quite frankly I could care less because its quite obvious you think your perfect. The state considers rinsing with MOUTHWASH a DUI. (Im not joking, an Intoxilizer 5000 with show a BAC of .087) So if you will kindly leave your uneducated responses unspoken (in other words ) the people who are victims of this cruel and unusual punishment would greatly appreciate it. If you think that having one beer and driving is worth a penalty of permanent kidney damage, selmanila poisoning, possible bird flue, starvation, hypothermia, dehydration, extortion, skin disease, ect. ect. not just for the perpetrator but to take home to his unsuspecting family too, then you are a twisted person and you should move to a communist country jerk. Just wait until you or one of YOUR loved one has to suffer unjustly then we will see. P.S. Making a bad decision IS considered a mistake .

Also, NEVER was I attempting to "justify" a DUI. It is most definitely unacceptable and even I have lost freinds AND loved ones to it. I am simply trying to convey that the punishment should fit the crime. This "off with his head" crap is for communists. People make mistakes and have lapses in judgement, it is human nature. If one person here can honestly say that they have not then I would definitely like to meet you. (I cant wait to meet Jesus) Alchohol is an inhibitor and adds to your ability to make "bad" decisions. My solution: I dont drink anymore. Period. Not one, not a sip. It is the only sure way to prevent a "lapse" in judgement. I might also add that it most definitely is NOT because of my horrendous punishment but instead because of my family and the fact that I was blessed by being able to learn this lesson without anyone being injured or killed.

The offenders who repeatedly drink and drive and those who kill people deseve a harsher punishment than the guy who had one beer and passes ALL feild sobriety tests, harming no-one. A victimless crime. Yes, he still deserves punishment because eventually it can lead to some being injured or even killed if unchecked but to throw him in a place were he can pick up some disease to take home to his innocent wife and child or be injured or killed himself? Come on people. Lets get real. Thats like saying you agree with chopping off ones hands for stealing.
You say you had ONE beer? i'm not here to argue with your particular circumstance, buy you don't get a DUI if you only have one beer...and don't try to argue with that one because I come from a LONG line of police officers and I know how DUI's are served out. And to clarify your situation what are you on work release for? ONE DUI? I was always under the impression that you went to jail for one night, car impounded, then fined...but not so long that you are on work release!

The punishment should fit the crime? Then maybe your punishment should have been to get into a car one night and drive a certain number of miles with drunk drivers on the road and see if you make it out alive! While it sounds like you have learned from your mistake and stopped drinking (congratulations) I think the punishment was just....bad luck you happen to have been in AZ at the time!

drumbunny1 · Post by **drumbunny1** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 6:15 pm

suzycreamcheese;743504 wrote: Are you saying that its not actually true that he treats prisoners like that?

It seems plain that there would be plenty of law abiding people who wouldnt agree with treating others like that. I happen to care about human rights, and I dont think they end because someone has broken the law.

I believe in rehabilitating people, not beating them into submission

OFCOURSE its true!!! And if you notice the majority agrees with this sheriff! I happen to care about human rights too.....but lets just say I care more about abused children's human rights than that of a child rapist...

While rehabilitation is the exact goal our prisons are geared towards! Make it so miserable they won't come back! They're rehabilitated!!!

Also my belief is some people just WON'T (not can't) change!

suzycreamcheese · Post by **suzycreamcheese** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 2:05 am

am I wrong in thinking that it ISNT just hardened criminals, murserers/peadophiles etc that are in this jail/these workcamps. I got the impression that it was for all sorts of crimes even pretty non-serious in the grand scheme of things.

RedGlitter · Post by **RedGlitter** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 2:44 am

I definitely would consider driving while drunk or doped up to be a serious offense. Spend some time in tent city and it's a pretty safe bet they won't be repeat offenders.

RedGlitter · Post by **RedGlitter** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 3:31 am

Here's a video of Arpaio's chain gang at Tent City:

Here's an article from 1999:

http://www.cnn.com/US/9907/27/tough.sheriff/

suzycreamcheese · Post by **suzycreamcheese** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 9:46 am

RedGlitter;743743 wrote: I definitely would consider driving while drunk or doped up to be a serious offense. Spend some time in tent city and it's a pretty safe bet they won't be repeat offenders.

well yeah, I definitely dont have much sympathy for drink drivers in general, although i dont think it warrants a chain gang in the baking sun with not enough to eat or drink or toilet facilities and being treated worse than an animal.

I also was asking wasnt it a case of it being fairly minor criminals being incarcerated alongside much worse hardened criminals? I dont always think that is very conducive to rehabilitation, and from what i can read about this particular system, its more about making a hell of a lot of money, appeasing the ultra right wing, and giving some sadist a legal way of getting his kicks.

Thats all it looks like to me. Theres no understanding of causes of crimes, no real attempt at rehabilition any more than someone who beats their wife or children is helping them to behave.

I dont think the end always justifies the means

drumbunny1 · Post by **drumbunny1** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 12:41 pm

Actually its not even a prison, its a jail! Now I'm not sure, but I think that most of the pedophiles and murderes stay there until their sentenced to a prison...which sounds like it would be a break for them! Or maybe the judge does sentence them to the jail, it the food was THAT bad and they were being treated like animals, I HIGHLY doubt the jail would still be running. If the state really thought what he was doing was cruel and unusual punishment then he would be shut down PRONTO!

While there may be not so "serious" criminals in there right along with the REALLy bad guys...most of the time they stay a few days...where the murders end up there a long time...so maybe someone will think twice before committing ANY crime!

The sheriff also got the idea to start the tent city because of overcrowding, and instead of letting convicts back out on the street...he made room:)

And you call him a sadist? I just happen to think he speaks the truth about what many Americans are thinking....but they don't for fear of being reemed for it