The U.S. Department of Justice filed an unprecedented lawsuit Thursday against the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office for refusing to provide full access to records and facilities for a civil-rights investigation.
The suit alleges the Sheriff’s Office is in violation of federal civil-rights laws by refusing for 17 months to fully cooperate with an investigation into police practices and jail operations. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Phoenix, names Sheriff Joe Arpaio, his office and Maricopa County.
The Justice Department wants extensive records related to booking procedures, language and interpretation services, arrests, and access to staff and jails.
Full Story: Feds sue Arpaio to get access to jail, records
Cop tasers man in his living room