At the same time a group of activist announced plans to boycott Discount Tire for the company’s support of Sheriff Joe Arpaio, Arpaio announced the kickoff of the 4th Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Spanish Language Citizens Academy. The academy will have the largest class size to date.
Activist plan to boycott Discount Tire due to the fact that several stores posted “Re-Elect Sheriff Joe Arpaio” signs in their windows.
Sheriff Joe Arpaio graduated twenty-two participants in the first Spanish Language Citizens Academy held by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office in December 2014. Two more Spanish Language Academies were held last year.
The academies were entirely presented by Spanish-speaking deputies, officers and instructors.
The Academy is spanned over four sessions conducted on alternating Saturdays. This Saturday morning 26 students will start their learning experience as Sheriff Arpaio greets the class during its opening session. In addition there will be visitors from two Colorado Law Enforcement agencies attending the academy in hopes to start their own program Spanish Language Citizens Academy.
The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office has over 900 employees of Hispanic heritage, a total representing 26% of its workforce. “My hope is that these Spanish language academies will open the doors for mutual understanding and respect,” said Arpaio. “We also may inspire a new wave of future employees.”