Years of Service
1973-76
Paul Blubaum was a former Phoenix Police Chief. He established the Sun City Posse and used the air posse for surveillance. Blubaum sent command staff to Northwestern University Traffic Institute; brought in more civilians to operate the jails; built the Durango Jail and took over jail operations from the City of Phoenix. He introduced semi-automatic weapons and reinstated women among sworn personnel.
As Sheriff, Blubaum used volunteers to staff permanent law enforcement positions and detective assignments. Tenured compensated deputies found fewer opportunities to serve in specialized assignments. Blubaum hired few compensated deputies during his term. Predictably, the issue became highly controversial within the office. Blubaum also made promotions based upon assignment rather than competitive promotional exams. As a result, deputies organized an effective grass roots campaign which helped unseat Paul Blubaum during his bid for re-election.