PHOENIX (AP) - The state sheriff's association says Gov. Doug Ducey should restore money taken from counties and fix ongoing problems with the state Department of Public Safety before pouring more cash into a new state border security strike force.
A letter to Ducey from the Arizona Sheriffs Association released Monday says Ducey's new plan relies on cash previously taken by the state from counties. The sheriffs say they should decide on law enforcement priorities.
Yuma County Sheriff Leon Wilmot says Ducey should instead send the money back to border counties that already have law enforcement teams targeting smuggling.
Ducey announced last week that his new force will add staffing, technology, air assets and highway patrol coverage to target smugglers along the Mexican border.
