There's a new sheriff in town, and he's no stranger. Russ Skinner has been with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office for more than 30 years, including six years as a chief deputy. Today, the Board of Supervisors appointed Skinner to replace his former boss, Paul Penzone, as sheriff.

“Sheriff Skinner has served under sheriffs of both political parties, including the last six years as Sheriff Penzone's chief of staff,” said Chairman Jack Sellers, who represents District 1. He is the most qualified candidate to ensure stability and results for Maricopa County residents. ”

Sheriff Skinner has over 33 years of experience with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, rising to the rank of Chief Deputy, overseeing 4,000 employees and managing a $507 million budget.

“The sheriff we are appointing today is a proven leader with decades of law enforcement experience,'' said Second District Vice Chairman Thomas Galvin. “This appointment solidifies leadership in the sheriff's office. “It provides continuity and continuity, and it benefits not only the residents of Maricopa County.” However, Sheriff Skinner's law enforcement colleagues are working hard to keep our community safe. ”

“I would like to thank Chairman Sellers and the Board of Supervisors for appointing me as Maricopa County's new sheriff,” said Sheriff Skinner. “I am committed to maintaining operational excellence, providing the highest level of law enforcement services, ensuring safe and secure prison operations, and adhering to necessary compliance measures. We are very grateful for our partnership with the agency and look forward to strengthening our engagement while boosting morale and fostering an atmosphere of trust, confidence, accountability, transparency and integrity within the agency. I am extremely proud to lead this organization of outstanding law enforcement officers and volunteers dedicated to public safety.”

Throughout his tenure, Sheriff Skinner has planned and organized several public safety missions involving large-scale events, ranging from critical infrastructure emergency training, protests and civil unrest, election security, and major national sporting events. I have had the opportunity to lead, partner and execute. He has also worked on issues such as the fentanyl crisis and improving community trust in law enforcement.

“I couldn't think of a better person to take over as sheriff,” said District 3 Supervisor Bill Gates. “Sheriff Skinner has decades of expertise in prioritizing community safety, and I look forward to seeing that put into practice throughout the remainder of the Sheriff's term.” I am particularly impressed with his commitment to protecting election workers and believe his prior election security experience will be of benefit to the county. ”

“My district has a close relationship with the Sheriff's Office because the Northwest Valley is home to many unincorporated communities that rely on the Sheriff's Office for critical public safety services,” said Fourth. District Superintendent Clint Hickman said. The attentive service these people deserve. ”

Sheriff Skinner has been running the agency since Sheriff Penzone resigned on January 12th and will continue to serve as sheriff until Maricopa County residents elect a new sheriff in November 2024.