Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio unveiled new jail uniforms emblazoned with the stars and stripes on Independence Day. His political opponent used it as an opportunity to go on the offensive.
Sentenced inmates will wear black and white stripes with the American Flag over their left breast going forward. The uniforms cost $1.50 each, but the price drops if they’re bought in bulk, said Dep. Joaquin Enriquez.
Arpaio said that removing wording from other uniforms means the change should be a “washout” when it comes to price.
“Because when you go to court, maybe 25,000 of our uniforms (have) big lettering on the back that says 'non-sentenced,' they’re going away,” Arpaio said.
Republican primary challenger Dan Saban spoke outside of Tent City Jail immediately after the sheriff’s press conference. He said having the flag on jail uniforms is disrespectful to the armed forces, veterans and first responders.
Saban called the uniforms a “smoke and mirrors” attempt to divert attention from an upcoming hearing in Arpaio’s ongoing contempt of court case.
“It’s clearly a very desperate attempt to distract the voters about what’s going to occur on Friday,” Saban said.
Arpaio said the only potential legal issue is if someone refuses to wear the flag for religious reasons, and those inmates “probably” won’t be forced to wear them.
