Educational Media Reviews Online

This video, part of Chip Taylor’s "Social Issues" series, takes a look at the life and career of Sheriff Joe Arpaio, considered America's toughest sheriff and law enforcement officer. This designation is not without its support from Arpaio himself, who gets considerable media attention and airtime due to his tough policies and actions against crime in Maricopa, Arizona. Arpaio has a zero tolerance for crime, and is both loved and hated by many people. This film follows Arpaio while he does his job, visits prisoners, discusses his policies, in his home with his wife, running an election campaign against an opponent, and justifying various inflammatory incidents that were covered in the press and are in this video as well. Arpaio bases his tough policies on their popularity with his constituency, whom he mentions many times throughout the film. He has an approval rating of over 85% in his district, an amazing statistic. He incarcerates prisoners, not in jails, but outside in the baking Arizona desert in Korean war tents holding up to 20 inmates. He runs chain gangs, has inmates wear striped clothing and pink underwear, lets his guards use stun guns, as well as many other controversial things. He also allows video cameras in his facilities that broadcast 24 hours a day over the Internet, for people to see everything that happens.

Arpaio is a fascinating individual, and his latest election campaign is chronicled in the video as well. While his actions and policies would not be appropriate everywhere, they appear to work well for Maricopa County, Arizona, as witnessed by his high approval rating and constant reelection to office.

Awards

• Best Documentary, Amsterdam International Film Festival