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Candidate Interview: Dan Saban, Sheriff, Maricopa County By Dennis Durband, Editor Ed. Note: Dan Saban, of the Mesa Police Department, is a Republican candidate for the office of sheriff in Maricopa County. Recently, he consented to an interview with The Arizona Conservative. Dan Saban is identified throughout the following interview as "DS." The Arizona Conservative is identifed as "TAC."TAC: What led to your decision to run for sheriff of Maricopa County? DS: As a taxpayer and law enforcement executive, I can no longer stand by and watch the sheriff’s office spiral out of control. My frustrations are a result of massive waste and ineffectiveness with Joe Arpaio and his administration. Joe has manipulated this elected position into one which thrives on political grandstanding instead of one which is effective and efficient in law enforcement protection. Law enforcement officers have known this for a while. I’m here to educate the public and offer an alternative in the September 2004 primary. TAC: How has your past experience helped prepare you for the job? DS: When I was a young police officer and had visions of promoting up through the ranks I was told to get my education and get involved in the community. This advice has proven to be incredibly valuable. I have been fortunate enough to serve with numerous grassroots efforts within Maricopa County. I supplemented my 28 years of law enforcement experience with a formal education. earning a bachelor's degree from Arizona State University (justice studies) and master's degree from Northern Arizona University (human relations.) I have served both with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s office and the Mesa Police Department, where I recently retired as a commander. TAC: What are the key issues in the race? DS: There are several. I believe the major one is educating the public as to the “real” reality of what goes on within Joe’s administration on a daily basis and not what they see on TV. In other words, what you see is not what you’re getting. Joe has cost us untold millions of dollars in lost civil judgments and waste. All the public sees are the publicity stunts. Joe Arpaio is known as the “toughest sheriff in America,” yet Phoenix has the highest crime rate in the West. I must remind your readers the title of toughest sheriff in America is the title Joe put upon himself. I can tell you for a fact it’s not how he is known in the professional law enforcement circles. TAC: What can be done to reduce crime in the county? DS: Through community involvement and crime analysis, you develop “community policing” plans to put deputies when and where they are most needed. You can’t stop crime if your neighborhood sheriff’s deputies are diverted to work on publicity stunts. TAC: How many people work in the sheriff’s office and what is the most effective way to direct this work force? Please describe your management style. DS: There are approximately 2,300 current employees; however there are 350 shortages in the detention officers' ranks, and almost another 1,000 shortages to operate the new jails which are scheduled to go on line later this year. The most effective way to direct this work force is to identify the core services we are mandated to provide -- like secure jails, responding to calls for service, court transports, etc. and then restructure the existing manpower to meet those needs. This would mean placing several non-critical “publicity projects” on hold. Once the public safety needs are met, then these other projects could be re-evaluated for overall effectiveness, and then re-initiated if found to be appropriate. My management philosophy is firmly based on the team concept, promoting a partnership between citizens, government and law enforcement personnel. With “problem oriented policing” and a commitment to solution-based strategies, my efforts have been frequently characterized as innovative, progressive and insightful. I am committed to the practices of open communication, accessibility and high visibility within the organization, and community. TAC: How would the sheriff’s office operate differently under your direction than under the current sheriff? DS: Right off the top you will see a business perspective put into use. Many of the current programs are all based on how much publicity they will bring, and effectiveness is never incorporated. My direction will be to analyze and weigh all considerations on public safety and cost effectiveness before any program is continued or initiated. TAC: If elected sheriff, would you continue or discontinue Tent City? DS: I support the concept of getting tough on prisoners. Tent City could be a valuable use of resources if run appropriately. Joe has made tent city into his moniker. I was personally shocked to find out that Tent City is just like any other jail setting. I never dreamed prisoners had the same break room access to TV, air conditioning, showers, phones and soda pop machines as the other jails. Prisoners on work release are not even in the tents during the hot summer afternoons. The current Tent City has generated numerous lawsuit settlements due to conditions, injuries, and deaths which have occurred by prisoners. A majority of these lawsuits came about because of the lack of classification of inmates. Inmates are placed into an environment which creates potential for rape, extortion, threats, thefts, and gang activities. A first-time misdemeanor sentenced person could be placed in an area which holds inmates who have been to prison previously for felony crimes. It is like putting the sheep in with the lions. I would keep Tent City to assist with overcrowding. However, I would implement enough detention officers to safely staff it and classify inmates appropriately and segregation from each other to avoid unnecessary injury, death and lawsuits. TAC: Sheriff Arpaio’s critics accuse him of staging dog and pony shows, a number of abuses, numerous lawsuits against the sheriff, and spending taxpayer money lavishly in his office. What is your assessment of his tenure as sheriff? DS: The critics are right; Joe continually spends our tax dollars on gimmicks and side shows which will bring him publicity in the public’s eye. Joe has had a minimum of 6,700 lawsuits filed against him and the sheriff's office over the last 11 years. Joe’s common response is “that’s the cost of doing business.” Well, as a professional law enforcement executive, I disagree completely. The cost of doing business is running an effective and efficient agency. When a case is lost, whether you agree or not changes in policy and procedures have to be implemented immediately to ovoid additional tax payer loss. These cases have resulted in the liability insurance decidable to be raised from $1 million per case to $5 million. That’s $5 million tax payer first, then the insurance kicks in. My assessment of Joe’s tenure is one of mixed emotions. When he first took over office 11 years ago, I was very supportive of his ideas and willingness to make change to better the organization and the service they proved. However, during the last five or six years that support has turned to frustration and disbelief of what he’s doing. Case in point, the sheriff of this county should not be one of the deciding factors as to who our next governor should/will be. Joe has utilized his position as a self-promotion machine. TAC: Does the average person know what is going on with the Arpaio sheriff’s administration? DS: Many do and that’s exactly why Joe is finally vulnerable to defeat. Four years ago, no, but currently throughout this county, there are very frustrated and angry folks who want him out. We need to educate those that don’t know what’s really going on.TAC: Will the challengers neutralize each other in the primary election? DS: Yes, multiple candidates will ensure somewhat of a split of the vote. However, as of this writing, W. Steven Martin has withdrawn from the Republican Party and has registered as an Independent candidate. This move will lessen that impact. TAC: What is the key to good law enforcement? DS: Healtly relationships with labor, community, board of supervisors, other law enforcement agencies, county attorney, volunteers. TAC: How long have you been a registered Republican? DS: Most of my adult life (I’m 47.) TAC: Will the recent decision by Homeland Security to beef up border security have a positive impact on Law Enforcement in Maricopa County? DS: Absolutely. I believe it will put pressure on these coyotes that prey on human beings. We need to go after illegal immigrants that are committing crimes and develop programs for others to work legally. TAC: How would you describe the confidence level of Maricopa County citizens that they are safe in their homes and communities? DS: The confidence is extremely low. Just drive out to Wickenburg, Buckeye, Cave Creek, Aguila, and see for yourself. My website is averaging 1,200 page views a day. All the outlaying areas are very disappointed with this administration and demand a change. A deputy driving 100 mph to get from one side of the county to another is ridiculous. We need to put the deputies where they are needed most. TAC: What are you hearing from county citizens as you campaign for sheriff? What are some of the key plans and goals you would implement, upon election? DS: I hear over and over again how fed up folks are with Joe and the “Joe Show.” They are upset with the lack of quality service and excessive response times to their calls for service. Some of my key plans are to “patch” up the damage internally and externally this administration has caused. I will have to put a lot of effort into restoring trust inside and out. I’m up for this challenge and have been extremely successful professionally in these environments. TAC: Who are you getting endorsements from? DS: Endorsement Summary Law Enforcement Deputies Law Enforcement Association Maricopa County Deputies/Detention Association Maricopa Lodge 5 FOP (Fraternal Order of Police) Arizona Police Association, 14 agencies & 6,500 members Arizona Conference of Police & Sheriffs, 65 agencies & 5,000 members Arizona State FOP (42 Lodges & 6,000 members) Phoenix Law Enforcement Association Mesa Police Association Jerry Hill (retired Sheriff of Maricopa County) Guy Meeks (retired Chief of Police, Mesa) Doug Smith (retired Chief of Police, Tucson) Political/Community Jean McGrath, President, Republican Forum, West Sun City Fred Taylor, State Chairman, Arizona African American Republican Committee Janie Thom, City of Mesa, Council member Cynthia Dunham, Former Mayor of Gilbert Maggie Cathey, Former Town of Gilbert Council member Donna & Jerry Neil, Ffounders of N.A.I.L.E.M. www.nailem.org William K. Perry, Vice President, Central Arizona Water Conservation District *Note: additional endorsements can be viewed on our web-site www.sabanforsheriff.com TAC: General comments: DS: For 28 years, I have dedicated my professional life to law enforcement. Now, I believe I can best use my experience, effectiveness and efficiency to improve the overall operation of the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office. My professional law enforcement experience demonstrates a career of well-developed leadership qualities, a reputation for honesty and integrity, and the proven ability to assist government officials in establishing and achieving their goals. As sheriff, I will ensure that all the citizens of Maricopa County receive quality law enforcement services. I will also make it a top priority to maintain fiscal accountability and make quality investments with your dollars. Additionally, I will strive to renew the partnerships with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to ensure the security of the citizens of this county. This is why I want to be the next sheriff. Home |News |State Briefs |Editorials|Letters |Key Legislation |Privacy Policy |Contact Us
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