The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office is using the proceeds from the sale of seized guns, $257,443, to buy ammo and radio equipment for its volunteer armed posse members, Sheriff Joe Arpaio announced.
The weapons, seized during arrests, were originally subject to destruction, but Sheriff Arpaio pushed for their sale instead. The nearly 500 cases of ammo being purchased include over $140,000 worth of 9mm, .45 and .223 caliber rounds. The portable radios carry a price tag of $102,656.00 and are designed to enhance communication and safety.
“My posse responds to situations that could be life-threatening,” said Sheriff Arpaio. “They need to be ready to protect themselves, the deputies they are supporting, and any innocent bystanders in potentially violent situations.”
“Because law enforcement is not getting full support from the highest levels of the federal government, we have a widespread war on cops throughout the country,” Arpaio continued. “Being prepared for a hostile criminal element is crucial.”
During the launch of the Posse Mall Patrol last holiday season, a program he started 23 years ago, Sheriff Arpaio sounded the alarm for Arizona’s 250,000 armed citizens to protect themselves and others in an active shooter situation where gunmen were firing upon innocent and defenseless victims. Just four days later, December 2, 2016, a terrorist couple in San Bernadino, California, opened fire at an office Christmas party killing 14 people and injuring 22 others.
“I am continuing to ask citizens to join our armed posse,” said Sheriff Arpaio. We always welcome former military and retired police. In this age of terrorism and violence, the more skilled hands the better in protecting the people.” Sheriff Arpaio would like to increase the number of armed posse members from the current 350 to
1000.