READ: Links to Arpaio's Attempted Pre-Emptive, DOJ's Complaint

Knowing that the U.S. DOJ was about to file its lawsuit against Maricopa County, the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office and Sheriff Joe Arpaio, the MCSO released its attempted pre-emptive document yesterday, entitled "Integrity, Accountability, Community".  The Sheriff wrote in it that it is necessary because "perception can be more powerful than fact":

"I do not tolerate racist attitudes or behaviors. We at the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office do not foster a “culture of cruelty.” But because perception can be more powerful than fact, I want to address these concerns openly and focus on community-based goals and procedures which affirm our commitment to the highest professional standards."

 The lawsuit was filed this morning.  Here is a link to it, as posted by the Department of Justice.  Here is a summary, as posted in the DOJ's news release.

We earlier posted the DOJ's opening comments at this morning's news conference.

The Sheriff has not yet posted a response to the filing of the lawsuit.


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