Federal Judge Moves Maricopa Sheriff Oversight Meetings to Phoenix Courthouse Amid Security Concerns

A federal judge, G. Murray Snow, has ordered significant changes to the community meetings overseeing the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, which stem from a nearly 20-year-old racial profiling case. Moving forward, all quarterly meetings will be held in a special proceedings courtroom at the Sandra Day O’Connor Courthouse in Phoenix, with enhanced security measures including metal detectors, ID checks, and U.S. Marshals protection. The court-appointed Community Advisory Board is tasked with collecting questions from plaintiffs and Latino residents beforehand, using multiple methods such as online surveys, paper forms, and community outreach to ensure broad participation. These changes come after recent meetings became contentious, notably one in July where political figures and pro-sheriff supporters clashed with Latino community members, raising concerns about order and safety. The judge emphasized the need for maintaining order and meaningful dialogue amid fears of political violence, and will personally preside over the meetings to enforce these standards. The ongoing oversight aims to address the sheriff's office's history of unconstitutional policing, with the court continuing to monitor compliance and expenditures related to reform efforts.