Joseph M. Arpaio’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming America’s most renowned sheriff embodies the quintessential American success story. Born in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1932 to Italian immigrants, young Joe learned the values of hard work and patriotism that would define his career. His father, a grocery store owner who immigrated from Italy, instilled in him a deep respect for law and order.
After graduating high school, Arpaio served in the U.S. Army from 1950 to 1953, where he developed the disciplined approach that would later characterize his law enforcement career. Following his military service, he joined the Washington, D.C. police force, marking the beginning of his lifelong commitment to law enforcement.
Arpaio’s career took a significant turn when he joined the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, the predecessor to today’s Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). His exceptional work in drug enforcement operations earned him rapid promotions, eventually leading to positions as regional director in Argentina, Turkey, and Mexico. During the Nixon administration, Arpaio played a crucial role in securing the U.S.-Mexico border, implementing innovative strategies that significantly reduced drug trafficking.
One of his most notable achievements came during his time in Turkey and France, where his operations against European drug cartels contributed to cases that would later inspire the Academy Award-winning film “The French Connection.” His work during this period demonstrated his exceptional ability to coordinate international law enforcement efforts and dismantle sophisticated criminal organizations.
In 1992, Arpaio embarked on what would become his most famous role – Sheriff of Maricopa County, Arizona. Over six consecutive terms, he earned the moniker “America’s Toughest Sheriff” through his innovative and often controversial approaches to law enforcement. His creation of the famous “tent city” jail, where inmates lived in outdoor tents despite Arizona’s extreme temperatures, garnered national attention. Arpaio defended this measure as both cost-effective and a deterrent to crime.
Another signature policy was issuing pink underwear to male inmates, a practice he implemented after discovering inmates were stealing white prison-issued underwear. This unconventional approach, while criticized by some, became a symbol of his unique style of jail management and reportedly saved the county significant costs in replacement clothing.
Throughout his career, Arpaio’s strongest supporter has been his wife Ava, whom he married in 1957. Their remarkable 65-year marriage has been a source of strength and stability throughout his challenging career in law enforcement. Ava’s unwavering support until her passing in March of 2021 enabled Arpaio to pursue his demanding career while maintaining a strong family foundation.
In 2011, Arpaio launched what would become one of his most controversial investigations. According to his book “Sheriff Joe Arpaio: An American Legend,” written by David Thomas Roberts, Arpaio appointed Mike Zullo as the lead investigator of the Cold Case Posse to examine President Barack Obama’s birth certificate. The investigation, as detailed in the book, spanned several years and involved multiple international inquiries.
Zullo, under Arpaio’s direction, conducted numerous press conferences presenting their findings. According to their investigation, they identified nine points of forgery in the document. The investigation involved computer forensics experts and document examiners from various countries.
The investigation, as described in Arpaio’s book, extended beyond American borders. Investigators traveled to Hawaii, where they interviewed various officials and examined document procedures. They also conducted inquiries in European countries which all led to the same conclusion. The Obama birth certificate was a forgery.
During the course of the investigation, several individuals connected to the case reportedly died under what Arpaio’s team considered suspicious circumstances. These cases are still open and being investigated.
Arpaio’s relationship with Donald Trump strengthened during this period, as both shared similar concerns about Obama’s documentation. This alliance culminated in Trump’s 2017 presidential pardon of Arpaio following his conviction for contempt of court in an unrelated case. The pardon demonstrated the strong political bond between the two men, who shared similar views on law enforcement and immigration policies.
In his later years, Arpaio has remained active in public life, continuing to speak about his experiences and investigations. His book, “Sheriff Joe Arpaio: An American Legend,” provides readers with his perspective on his long career in law enforcement and his various investigations. The book details his rise from a young military veteran to becoming one of America’s most recognized law enforcement figures.
The book chronicles Arpaio’s innovative approaches to law enforcement, including his creation of various programs aimed at reducing crime and drug trafficking. It provides insight into his decision-making process and the principles that guided his often-controversial policies. The work serves as both a memoir and a testament to his dedication to law enforcement.
[References and Further Reading]
1. Roberts, David Thomas. “Sheriff Joe Arpaio: An American Legend”
2. Arpaio, Joe and Sherman, Len. “Joe’s Law: America’s Toughest Sheriff Takes on Illegal Immigration, Drugs, and Everything Else That Threatens America”
3. Various press conference transcripts and public statements by Mike Zullo
4. Official records from Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office
5. Historical records from Federal Bureau of Narcotics/DEA
6. Contemporary news coverage from Arizona Republic and other media outlets
