Hearing to debate possible monitor for controversial Arizona sheriff

PHOENIX, June 14 (UPI) -- A federal hearing Friday was expected to define how Arizona sheriff Joe Arpaio trains his deputies and implements his immigration efforts, officials say.

A major point of contention is expected to be who will be appointed to oversee the following of rules laid down by U.S. District Judge Murray Snow, The Arizona Republic reported.

Snow last month ruled the Maricopa County sheriff engaged in racial profiling, targeting Latinos in an effort to enforce federal immigration laws. Arpaio has since suspended his patrols for undocumented immigrants and immigration raids on work sites.

Tim Casey, an attorney for the sheriff's office, said he would oppose any court-appointed monitor because that would interfere with Arpaio's constitutional powers.

The American Civil Liberties Union, which represents the plaintiffs, said the monitor is essential to ensure the sheriff addresses issues identified by the judge.

Before the hearing, Snow had given each side six areas to focus on, including education and training, data collection and record retention.

Casey said Arpaio agrees more training is necessary, although who would conduct that training has yet to be determined.