Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio is spending money gained from selling guns seized at crime scenes to buy ammunition and radios for his volunteer posse.
The total collected from the sale — $257,443 — is being divided between the $140,000 in ammunition and $102,656 for radios, according to a Maricopa County Sheriff's Office press release, reports
Breitbart.
Sheriff Arpaio said his posse "responds to situations that could be life-threatening. They need to be ready to protect themselves, the deputies they are supporting, and any innocent bystanders in potentially violent situations.
"Being prepared for a hostile criminal element is crucial," Arpaio said in the press release.
Armed citizens are more able to defend the public "before the cops arrive," said Arpaio, according to a
Breitbart report in 2015.
In December 2015, Arpaio called on the 250,000 Arizona citizens who have concealed weapons permits to help keep the peace, according to
CBS5AZ.
The sheriff has been the subject of controversy for his views on illegal immigration. He endorsed GOP front-runner Donald Trump in January, saying the real estate mogul "produces results and is ready to get tough in order to protect American jobs and families," reports
CNN.
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