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Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, Refusing Title VI Cooperation, Arizona 2023
The Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), Maricopa County, and Sheriff Joe Arpaio for refusing full cooperation with the department’s investigation of alleged national origin discrimination in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
According to the lawsuit, MCSO signed contractual assurance agreements as a condition of receiving federal funds, and promised to cooperate with investigations of alleged discrimination. However, the department claims that MCSO has refused to provide access to documents and facilities, despite repeated attempts at voluntary compliance.
The investigation, which began in March 2009, concerns alleged discrimination against Hispanics, in violation of the prohibition on national origin discrimination in Title VI; the pattern or practice provisions of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968; and the pattern or practice provisions of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994.
Assistant Attorney General Thomas E. Perez stated, ‘The actions of the sheriff’s office are unprecedented. It is unfortunate that the department was forced to resort to litigation to gain access to public documents and facilities.’
The lawsuit marks an extraordinary step for the Justice Department, as MCSO is the first police department or sheriff’s office in 30 years to refuse cooperation with an investigation.
The case, United States of America v. Maricopa County, Arizona, remains ongoing, and the Justice Department’s investigation continues. For more information on the Civil Rights Division, please visit www.justice.gov/crt.
Key Facts
- State: Federal
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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