PHOENIX — The two candidates running for Maricopa County Sheriff squared off in a debate for the second time Wednesday night.
The next sheriff will will inherit one of the largest jails in the United States, along with court-ordered oversight over the entire department.
Both candidates, Tyler Kamp (D) and Jerry Sheridan (R), said they would prioritize and comply the with court-ordered reforms and federal oversight, which a judge ordered after the Melendres case when the department was found to be racially profiling and violating civil rights of Latinos.
The candidates were questioned on how they would lead a department that's facing low staffing and record inmate deaths.
Both turned to their experience in law enforcement.
"As Sheriff, my number one objective is to provide safety for the people of Maricopa County. Everything I do, every policy I make, must be viewed through the lens, will this make us safer," said Kamp, who had worked with the Phoenix Police Department for more than 20 years.
Sheridan has worked for MCSO for nearly 40 years.
"I worked for four sheriffs. I watched them, I watched them very closely, each one of them, and I saw what worked and I also saw what didn't work," Sheridan said.
The records of both candidates were also frequently mentioned.
Sheridan is on the Arizona Brady List of law enforcement officials with credible allegations of wrongdoing as a result of his involvement with the Melendres case.
"I am on the Brady List, I don't deny that, but I shouldn't be on the Brady List," Sheridan said.
Sheridan criticized Kamp's involvement in sexual harassment investigation during his time with Phoenix Police where he exchanged text messages with a colleague that Kamp said would be "disrespectful" to his wife.
"My colleague that was involved in this did not sign off on this investigation did not pursue it and that's why there was never any discipline associated with it," Kamp said.
Sheridan also claimed Kamp is being investigated by the Maricopa County Attorney's Office (MCAO) for the Brady List.
Kamp told reporters after the debate that he was not aware of any such investigation.
MCAO told 12News it received information and it was currently under review.
On Friday the County Attorney’s Office told 12News the matter was closed.
“Tyler Kamp is not now, nor has he ever been, under investigation by MCAO,” said MCAO spokesperson Karla Navarrete-Contreras by email. “In early August, Phoenix PD forwarded information to us for consideration regarding whether Kamp should be placed on the Rule 15 list (sometimes referred to as the “Brady List”). On Tuesday, September 24, the Rule 15 committee determined Kamp would not be added to the list.”
This story has been updated to reflect new information provided by MCAO.
Watch the full debate here:
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