Sheriff Jerry Sheridan Unveils Bold New Vision for MCSO

Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan has officially begun his term after an extensive 40-year career in law enforcement. In an interview with FOX 10’s Brian Webb, he outlined his agenda for leading the department in one of the nation’s most populous counties.

“I wore that uniform for 40 years, said deputy sheriff on it, and now my patch says sheriff,” Sheridan remarked, indicating the significance of his new role. He addressed the interview less than 48 hours into his tenure, revealing immediate priority: tackling homelessness. “I’ve reached out to some of the [Non-Governmental Organizations] that help with some of the missions, and I’ve already had discussions with them about what we can do to help you get people off the street.”

Additionally, Sheridan signaled a strong focus on immigration enforcement, aligning with approaches from the previous Trump administration and emphasizing a return to policies reminiscent of past Sheriff Joe Arpaio. “I will focus on arresting criminals now,” he stated, clarifying that the nationality of offenders is irrelevant to him.

In a post shared on X, he expressed gratitude toward his team, stating, “Spent my first 9 hours as Sheriff with the people that keep us all safe; our detention officers, deputies & 911 operators. I am so proud of the work they do & to be their Sheriff.”

Sheridan’s intent to address internal department issues was also evident. He plans to revive the county’s volunteer posse system, previously under review since 2017. Furthermore, he recognizes the need to increase staffing, as the department currently operates with about 3,500 employees when it is allotted 4,000, leaving around 800 positions unfilled, particularly among detention officers as reported by ABC15.

Addressing criticism regarding his affiliation with the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association (CSPOA), Sheridan defended his commitment to uphold constitutional values. “Don’t forget, I took an oath to support the Constitution of the United States and the constitution in laws of the State of Arizona, and I will be faithful to that oath,” he asserted.

In a video announcement marking the start of 2025, he conveyed his enthusiasm for the role, highlighting the integrity of his team. “It’s an honor to be your new sheriff,” Sheridan stated, affirming his dedication to working collaboratively with the department and the community.

Matthew Holloway is a reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.