MCSO at a Glance
Our Mission: Working Together to Safeguard our Communities
Our Vision: Ensuring MCSO is a leading law enforcement agency, united with our community
Core Value Statements:
Honesty: We are truthful in our words and actions
Humility: We are committed to learning from and serving each other
Perseverance: We are in the constant pursuit of excellence
Respect: We embrace the diversity of our communities
Trust: We believe trust is the foundation of our relationships
Unity: We are working together toward common goals
Who we are: We are a law enforcement agency, headed by an elected Sheriff, Jerry Sheridan, which serves and protects the unincorporated areas of Maricopa County as well as several contract cities. We are part of the Maricopa County government system.
How large is the county? Maricopa County has an approximate total area of 9,224 square miles and is one of the largest counties in the nation.
What makes the MCSO unique? Many things set us apart, beginning with the fact that we serve an area bigger than four U.S. states. We have the most technologically advanced 911 and emergency operation center in the Southwestern USA, and a large all-volunteer posse force working in 41 different posses. Although we live in the Sonoran Desert, the MCSO has one of the nation’s finest dive/water rescue teams. We are also the only U.S. jail system to serve vegetarian meals exclusively.
How many employees work for the MCSO? With approximately 3,500 employees, we are among the fourth largest sheriff’s offices in the USA.
How long is the Sheriff’s term? All sheriffs in Arizona are elected to serve a four-year term with no term limits.
How is his salary determined? All sheriffs in the state of Arizona earn the same salary of about $101,000 a year as determined by the Arizona state legislature
What is the approximate annual budget for the Sheriff’s Office? The main budget for the MCSO is a combination of general fund dollars (tax dollars) and district jail tax monies. That total is $408.7 million. The Sheriff’s Office also has additional revenue sources, such as grants and monies generated from inmate canteen sales, etc. Combined, the 2021 FY budget stands at $433.8 million.
Where is the MCSO headquarters located? The headquarters of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office is located in downtown Phoenix, south of Jefferson Street at the intersection of 5th Avenue. Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters are located at 550 W. Jackson Street Phoenix, AZ 85003. The five story high building houses the administration functions of the office, including finance, payroll, personnel, bureau of internal oversight, the compliance division, community outreach, technology, the 911 center, and the offices of all chiefs and the Sheriff. It also contains a small gym, a media room, an emergency operations center and an underground parking garage. The lobby is protected by security personnel during all business hours and is the site of a small historical museum of old Sheriff’s Office artifacts.