Both candidates debated who was better equipped to lead the department, which is subject to court-ordered oversight.
PHOENIX — Two candidates running for Maricopa County Sheriff faced off in a second debate Wednesday night.
The next sheriff will take over one of the nation’s largest prisons and also inherit court-ordered oversight of the entire department.
Candidates Tyler Kump (D) and Jerry Sheridan (R) both said they would prioritize and adhere to court-ordered reform and federal oversight. These orders were ordered by a judge after the department was found to have engaged in racial profiling and violations following the Melendrez case. Civil Rights for Latinos.
The candidates were asked how they would lead a department that faces staffing shortages and records inmate deaths.
Both men turned to experience in law enforcement.
“My number one purpose as sheriff is to provide safety for the people of Maricopa County. Everything I do, every policy I make, must be viewed through a lens that will help us become more… Is it going to be safe?’” said Kampf, who worked with the sheriff. He has been with the Phoenix Police Department for over 20 years.
Sheridan has worked for MCSO for nearly 40 years.
“I worked for four sheriffs. I watched them and watched each one very closely and saw what worked and what didn’t work. ” said Sheridan.
The records of both candidates were also frequently mentioned.
Sheridan is on the Brady List of Arizona Law Enforcement Officials with credible charges of misconduct for his involvement in the Melendrez case.
RELATED: Why Maricopa County Sheriff Candidate Jerry Sheridan is on the ‘Brady List’
“I’m on the Brady list, I don’t deny that, but I shouldn’t be on the Brady list,” Sheridan said.
Sheridan criticized Kump’s involvement in a sexual harassment investigation in which he exchanged text messages with a co-worker while he was a Phoenix police officer, saying Kump would be “disrespectful” to his wife.
“My colleagues who were involved in this case did not agree with this investigation, but they did not pursue it. That is why there was no discipline associated with this investigation,” Kampf said.
Mr. Sheridan also claimed that Mr. Kampf is under investigation by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (MCAO) regarding the Brady List.
Kampf told reporters after the debate that he was unaware of any such investigation.
MCAO told 12News it has received the information and is currently reviewing it.
On Friday, the county attorney’s office told 12News the matter was closed.
“Tyler Kampf is not currently or has ever been under investigation by the MCAO,” MCAO spokeswoman Carla Navarrete-Contreras said in an email. “In early August, Phoenix PD sent us information to consider whether Kampf should be placed on the Rule 15 List (also known as the ‘Brady List’). On Tuesday, September 24, the Rule 15 Committee decided not to add Kampf to the list. ”
This article has been updated to reflect new information provided by MCAO.
Watch the full discussion here:
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