🛡️ Nanos Pushes Back on Board's Demand for Outside Probe of Sheriff's Department
Sheriff Frustrated by Supervisors' "Politically Motivated" Investigation Request - Emphasizes Importance of Direct Communication, Mutual Understanding with County Leaders
Based on the 11/22/24 Buckmaster Show on KVOI-1030AM.
🙊 Notable quotes from the show
"It's like my wife said, did I really believe that I would run for public office and not have people throw rocks at you? And so you kind of have to have, as she would say, you have to be a duck, you just kind of let it roll off your back." - Sheriff Chris Nanos, on dealing with controversy and public scrutiny during his reelection campaign
"If I made a decision based on, how will I look politically? I think that's that's being very disingenuous. I think that's disingenuous to my own." - Sheriff Chris Nanos, defending his decision-making process for personnel suspensions
"Heather will. We will deal with that situation, and she'll have her due process." - Sheriff Chris Nanos, on the ongoing investigation into one of his commanders
"If you're really concerned about what your sheriff is doing, call him. Talk to him. We know what is the best way to resolve problems. Communicate." - Sheriff Chris Nanos, emphasizing the importance of open communication with the county board of supervisors
"Absolutely not. You know, that's again part of the, you know this, the word out from the new President-elect, the Trump administration, is about mass deportation. Nobody even knows what that looks like." - Sheriff Chris Nanos, rejecting the notion of actively enforcing immigration laws under Proposition 314
"If it's a mandate, it's not funded. If we're going to do something like that, who's going to pay for those costs? Who's going to pay for the more courtrooms? Who's going to pay for a larger jail? Who's going to pay for those inmates?" - Sheriff Chris Nanos, expressing concerns about the practical implications of Proposition 314
😽 Keepin’ It Simple Summary for Younger Readers
👧🏾✊🏾👦🏾
🚓 The Pima County Sheriff, Chris Nanos, talked about some big issues happening in his department. He had a close election win, but had to deal with some controversies, like suspending some workers while investigating them. ⚖️ The sheriff said he's trying to be fair and do the right thing, even if it makes some people mad. 😡 He's also having problems with the county leaders, who want to investigate him, but he thinks they're just being political. 🏛️ The sheriff also doesn't want to help with a new law about immigration, because he thinks it's not legal and the government should be dealing with it, not the local police. 🛑🚓 Overall, the sheriff is trying to balance a lot of different problems and keep his community safe. 🛡️👮♂️🌟
🗝️ Takeaways
🌳 Sheriff Nanos maintains a pragmatic, community-oriented approach to policing, prioritizing transparency and due process over political considerations.
🤝 Despite tensions with the county board of supervisors, Nanos emphasizes the importance of open communication and mutual understanding to resolve differences.
💰 Nanos navigates tight budgets and resource constraints, seeking to balance the needs of his department with the board's fiscal responsibilities.
🚫 The sheriff firmly rejects enforcing the immigration-related mandates of Proposition 314, citing concerns over legality, funding, and the overburdened federal system.
⚖️ Nanos defends his use of paid administrative leave for ongoing internal investigations, stressing the need for thorough and fair inquiry processes.
🗳️ Nanos is proud of his narrow reelection victory, acknowledging the public scrutiny of holding elected office but maintaining his commitment to principled leadership.
⏬ Jump to the 🦉 Three Sonorans Commentary based on:
📻 What They Discussed
The Buckmaster Show, a popular radio program in Tucson, Arizona, aired on November 22, 2024.
The episode featured an in-depth interview with Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, a Democrat who had just been reelected to a second term.
Paul Ingram, a reporter from the Tucson Sentinel, a local news publication known for its investigative journalism and advocacy for social justice issues, joined the discussion.
🗳️ Sheriff's Narrow Election Victory
The discussion began with Sheriff Nanos reflecting on his hard-fought reelection campaign, in which he prevailed over his Republican challenger, Heather Lappin, by just under 500 votes.
During the campaign, Nanos acknowledged the controversy surrounding some personnel suspensions within his department, stating, "It's like my wife said, did I really believe that I would run for public office and not have people throw rocks at you? And so you kind of have to be a duck, as she would say. You just kind of kind of let it roll off your back."
The sheriff maintained that his decisions were made in good faith to protect the integrity of ongoing internal investigations rather than for political motivations.
He expressed pride in his victory, saying, "I'm very proud and very happy. But mostly I'm just very elated that so many people stepped up and saw through some of this and supported me in this race. So yeah, I'm very, very blessed."
⚖️ Internal Investigations and Suspensions
A significant portion of the interview focused on an internal investigation involving one of the sheriff's commanders responsible for the jail intake area.
Nanos explained that over 100 department employees were currently on paid leave, a common practice he said was not punitive but rather allowed for thorough investigations.
He stressed the need to "get it right" and not rush the process, even as he acknowledged the public's perception that he may have "gone off the deep end."
The sheriff expressed frustration with the county board of supervisors' demand for an outside investigation, feeling it was politically motivated. He emphasized the importance of due process, stating, "Heather will. We will deal with that situation and she'll have her due process."
🤝 Navigating Relationships with County Leaders
Sheriff Nanos emphasized the importance of open communication and mutual understanding in his relationship with the county board of supervisors.
He stated, "If you're really concerned about what your sheriff is doing, call him. Talk to him. We know what is the best way to resolve problems. Communicate."
Nanos acknowledged the natural tensions that arise between the sheriff's department and the board over budgetary issues, but maintained that he has always been respectful of the board's fiscal responsibilities.
He said, "I would never tell them, hey, stay out of my business. But what I would tell them or encourage them or try to encourage them is, look, this sheriff is here. Everybody has my number. That board knows how to reach me."
🔒 Proposition 314 and Immigration Enforcement
The discussion turned to the recently passed Proposition 314, which aimed to increase local law enforcement's role in immigration enforcement.
Nanos was adamant that he had no plans to actively enforce immigration laws or conduct raids actively, stating, "Absolutely not. You know that's again part of the you know this the word out from the new President-elect the Trump administration is about mass deportation. Nobody even knows what that looks like."
He expressed concerns about the proposition's legality and funding, saying, "If it's a mandate, it's not funded. If we're going to do something like that, who's going to pay for those costs? Who's going to pay for more courtrooms? Who's going to pay for a larger jail? Who's going to pay for those inmates?"
Nanos emphasized that immigration enforcement should be handled at the state and federal levels, not by local law enforcement.
Throughout the interview, Sheriff Nanos demonstrated a commitment to transparency, community-oriented policing, and a pragmatic approach to his department's various challenges. His responses highlighted the delicate balance between upholding the law, maintaining public trust, and navigating the political landscape of local government.
🦉 Three Sonorans Commentary
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos: A Tarnished Legacy and a Call for Change
🤯 Nanos' Shameful Attempt to Undermine Democracy
The Three Sonorans has long been a watchdog for the Pima County Sheriff's Department, and our worst fears about the corruption and abuse of power under Sheriff Chris Nanos have now been laid bare for all to see.
In a shameless display of authoritarian tendencies, Nanos suspended his Republican opponent and one of his top commanders, Heather Lappin, just a month before the election - a transparent attempt to sabotage his political opponent and cling to power.
This is nothing short of an attack on the very foundations of our democracy. Nanos' actions were wrong and anti-democratic and should be punished, plain and simple. The residents of Pima County deserve a sheriff who upholds the principles of justice and fairness, not someone who wields the power of their office to silence dissent and crush political rivals.
🤞 Hope for a Lappin Victory and a Clean Slate
We hope the ongoing recount will rightfully return Heather Lappin as the new Sheriff of Pima County. Lappin's commitment to transparency, accountability, and community-oriented policing is precisely what this county needs after years of Nanos' authoritarian misrule.
However, if the recount does not favor Lappin, the results of the independent investigation into Nanos' election-related misconduct must be swiftly and thoroughly examined.
If the findings corroborate the allegations of intimidation and abuse of power, then Nanos must resign immediately. Pima County cannot afford to have such an unfit individual at the helm of its law enforcement apparatus.
🚨 A History of Neglect and Disrespect
But this is just the tip of the iceberg regarding Nanos' troubling record.
Time and time again, he has displayed a blatant disregard for the well-being of the community he is sworn to protect. The deaths that have occurred in his jails are a stain on his leadership, and his "disdain and disrespect" for the Board of Supervisors when they request information is a slap in the face to the very people he is accountable to.
Nanos' arrogance and unwillingness to be transparent are unacceptable and directly undermine the trust that the public should be able to place in their elected officials.
This is a man who seems to believe that he is above the law and immune to the scrutiny of those he is meant to serve.
🔍 Time for Accountability and a Fresh Start
The Board of Supervisors has recognized the severity of the situation and has called for an independent investigation into Nanos' conduct. This is a welcome and necessary step, as we cannot allow such flagrant abuses of power to go unchecked.
The people of Pima County deserve a sheriff who will uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability, not someone who treats the office as their own personal fiefdom.
It is time for Nanos to step down and make way for a new generation of leaders who understand that true public safety is built on a foundation of transparency, empathy, and unwavering commitment to the well-being of all residents, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status.
The fight for a more just, equitable, and accountable Pima County starts now.
¡Sí, se puede!
👯 People Mentioned
Sheriff Chris Nanos
Pima County Sheriff
"It's like my wife said, did I really believe that I would run for public office and not have people throw rocks at you? And so you kind of have to be a duck, as she would say. You just kind of kind of let it roll off your back."
"If I made a decision based on, oh, how will I look politically? I think that's that's being very disingenuous. I think that's disingenuous to my own."
"Heather will. We will deal with that situation, and she'll have her due process."
"If you're really concerned about what your sheriff is doing, call him. Talk to him. We know what is the best way to resolve problems. Communicate."
"Absolutely not. You know, that's again part of the, you know this, the word out from the new President-elect, the Trump administration, is about mass deportation. Nobody even knows what that looks like."
"If it's a mandate, it's not funded. If we're going to do something like that, who's going to pay for those costs? Who's going to pay for the more courtrooms? Who's going to pay for a larger jail? Who's going to pay for those inmates?"
Heather Lappin
Republican challenger to Sheriff Nanos in the election
Suspended by Sheriff Nanos during the campaign
Bill Buckmaster
Host of the Buckmaster Show
Paul Ingram
Reporter for the Tucson Sentinel