Recently the Pinal County Sheriff proposed to start a Citizens Posse. I have very strong concerns.
I do not believe 4-hour training is sufficient to teach the issues that are to be addressed, including the use of firearms, crowd control, and de-escalation tactics. Similar programs have been known up to six months. Is this posse to be used for "protests that turn violent"? Has this happened in Pinal County? Is there a need and call for extra resources? Have we had violent protests? Is Pinal county a hotbed of unrest?
There is a playbook already in place in many US cities from Portland to Chicago. Why do we need to develop this program here at this time? It was stated that "minimum background checks" would be used which could allow for those with criminal backgrounds to be accepted.
The Sheriff mentioned major unrest happening in US cities. Is this calculated plan to intimidate and possibly threaten law-abiding citizens who legally exercise their First Amendment rights. There has already been enough police violence. Asking untrained citizens for help, with firearms, is only asking for trouble.
I request that you take this issue seriously. We do not need this kind of program in Pinal Country. Especially the way it has been explained. We need to move away from police violence and intimidation tactics. It would be a better use of resources and money to work within communities to move forward with empathy and support.
Submitted by Sharon Girard, a candidate for Arizona House of Representatives Legislative District 8. Letter was also read during public comment at the August 5, 2020 Pinal County Board of Supervisors Meeting.
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