In Arizona, the effort to locate 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie has reached its eighth week, and tensions within the Pima County Sheriff’s Department are rising. The Pima County Deputies Organization (PCDO), representing over 300 deputies, has unanimously called for Sheriff Chris Nanos to resign, citing his lengthy disciplinary history.
Although the PCDO did not explicitly link the vote to the ongoing search for Guthrie, there have been mounting criticisms of Nanos regarding his management of the investigation following her abduction from her Tucson home on February 1.
Nanos, a 70-year-old Democratic sheriff, has faced backlash for prematurely designating Guthrie’s home as a crime scene and opting to use a private DNA company rather than collaborate closely with the FBI. Critics have also pointed out his failure to utilize essential resources, like search planes and cadaver dogs.
The identity of the kidnapper and their motives remain unclear. The union’s vote of no confidence comes after discovering Nanos’ concealed past, including 40 years’ worth of misconduct within the El Paso Police Department.
The union’s announcement detailed that Nanos had been suspended multiple times during his service with the EPPD due to issues such as excessive force, improper firearm use, and chronic tardiness. In fact, he faced termination in 1982 but opted to resign instead, citing claims of “insubordination” and “consistent inefficiency.”
Concerns have been raised about Nanos’ ability to lead given his unchecked disciplinary issues. The PCDO noted that there might have been cause for his disqualification from being a law enforcement officer had his history been publicly available, consequently questioning whether he can effectively guide the department now.
The ramifications of Nanos’ leadership, according to the vice union, may foster significant mismanagement and low morale throughout the department, ultimately affecting community trust in law enforcement.
The PCDO firmly believes that immediate resignation is necessary to restore integrity and operational efficiency within the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, proposing that a special election be held to allow voters to decide on future leadership.
Nanos, who was re-elected in November by a narrow margin, acknowledged the ongoing recall efforts spearheaded by Republican Congressional candidate Daniel Buttiles. Buttiles is challenging Nanos over both the Guthrie case and concerns about the department’s treatment of officers. Nanos has stated that if the recall effort collects sufficient signatures, he will accept the public’s decision.
