Joe Arpaio: Armed Posse Should Protect Schools In Wake Of Newtown Shooting

Arpaio Makes Eyebrow-Raising Proposal After Massacre
FILE -- In this July 17, 2012, file photo, Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio speaks during a press conference in Phoenix. The tough-talking sheriff is the last man standing of the three Phoenix politicians who made Arizona a leader in the crackdown against illegal immigration. (AP Photo/Matt York, File)
FILE -- In this July 17, 2012, file photo, Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio speaks during a press conference in Phoenix. The tough-talking sheriff is the last man standing of the three Phoenix politicians who made Arizona a leader in the crackdown against illegal immigration. (AP Photo/Matt York, File)

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

PHOENIX (AP) — An Arizona sheriff has announced plans to deploy an armed volunteer posse to protect Phoenix-area students in the wake of the mass shooting at a Connecticut elementary school.

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio tells KTVK-TV he has the authority to mobilize private citizens to fight crime but hasn't talked to specific districts.

He says he doesn't plan to put posse members inside schools but will have them posted around the perimeters.

Arpaio is known as one of the nation's most high-profile supporters of strict U.S.-Mexico border policy.

His plan announced Thursday comes after two other Arizona officials released ideas for boosting school security.

Attorney General Tom Horne proposed firearms training for one person in each school. And Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu proposed training multiple educators per school to carry guns.

Before You Go

Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas)

People Who Want More Guns In Schools

Popular in the Community

Close

What's Hot