Phoenix • Nearly four years ago, a federal judge ordered a sweeping overhaul of then-Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s office after concluding sheriff’s deputies had systematically racially profiled Hispanics in traffic patrols that targeted immigrants.
Today, the agency is still dogged by findings that its officers treat minorities differently than whites during traffic stops.
An audit conducted by criminal justice researchers at Arizona State University as part of the profiling case concluded that Hispanics are more likely to be searched and arrested by sheriff’s deputies in traffic stops than whites.
The agency’s response to the report is expected to be discussed at a court hearing Wednesday.