Jerry Sheridan's CSPOA problem won't go away amidst 'ultimate law' fears
Phoenix, Arizona: Republican candidate for Maricopa County sheriff, Jerry Sheridan, has been battling to save his campaign after it was revealed he was associated with the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association (CSPOA) -- a group labeled as an anti-government extremist organization by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). Concerns about Sheridan’s connections were heightened after a recent Australian Special Broadcasting Service documentary highlighted his involvement with the movement.
The controversy surrounding Sheridan stems from his attendance at a seminar led by Richard Mack, the founder of the CSPOA. During one segment of the seminar, Mack suggests that sheriffs may need to take drastic action against what he calls “destructive forces” in the government, although he stops short of endorsing violence.
Sheridan, who has echoed many of the group's talking points, has declined to discuss the documentary, but reiterated his commitment to being a "constitutional sheriff". He stated that he swore an oath to uphold the Constitution and would take the same oath if elected.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos expressed strong opposition to the movement’s ideology, calling it a "slippery slope" and warning against sheriffs interpreting laws according to personal beliefs. Sheridan’s opponent in the general election, Tyler Camp, a former Phoenix police lieutenant, shared similar concerns, emphasizing that the sheriff’s role is to enforce laws, not interpret them individually.
What is the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association (CSPOA)?
The Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association (CSPOA) is a political movement that promotes the idea that county sheriffs hold the ultimate law enforcement authority in their jurisdictions, even surpassing the federal government. This movement, commonly referred to as the Constitutional Sheriffs Movement, claims that sheriffs have the constitutional duty to defend citizens' rights and are empowered to ignore or resist laws or actions by the federal government that they view as unconstitutional.
The movement asserts that county sheriffs are the highest law enforcement authority in their respective jurisdictions. They argue that sheriffs have the power to interpret the US Constitution, particularly when it comes to deciding which laws to enforce.
A core element of the movement is opposition to what they perceive as federal government overreach. Members often resist federal laws and policies related to gun control, land use, taxation, environmental regulations, and other areas, arguing that these laws infringe on states' rights or individual liberties.
The movement emphasizes protecting the constitutional rights of citizens, particularly the Second Amendment (right to bear arms) and the Tenth Amendment (states' rights). They claim it is the duty of the sheriff to interpose and shield citizens from unconstitutional laws.
Some elements within the movement have ties to the militia movement and the sovereign citizen ideology, which rejects many aspects of federal authority and taxation.
The movement has been criticized for promoting anti-government and extremist views. Critics argue that it undermines the rule of law and democratic governance by encouraging sheriffs to selectively enforce laws based on their personal or political beliefs. Some law enforcement experts and civil rights groups have raised concerns that the movement could lead to increased lawlessness, as well as challenges to civil liberties and the constitutional order.
Mack, the group's founder, also played a key role in the Oath Keepers, a group that stockpiled weapons during the January 6th Capitol riots, and several of its members have been convicted of violence.