The Professional Standards Unit is staffed by two full time Deputies with the responsibility for the overall operation of Internal Affairs. Corporal Mike Downing and Sergeant Phil LeBlanc investigate complaints on the detention staff, civilian employees, sworn staff and volunteers. Corporal Downing and Sergeant Leblanc report directly to the Sheriff. Clerical support is received from the secretary of the Chief Deputy and the Sheriff in the form of audio tape transcription.

The Professional Standards Unit is responsible for conducting administrative investigations of employees of the Pinal County Sheriff Office (PCSO). This Unit has a duty to investigate complaints by lawful investigatory techniques and according to established procedures. During 2006, this unit opened and conducted forty-eight internal investigations of Department employees. This represents an increase of sixteen cases from 2005.

This Unit is also responsible for logging and filing all discipline rendered to PCSO employees, filing and maintaining a log of citizens complaints that are handled by means other than through the unit, filing of all Use of Force reports, policy distribution and orientation of new employees and instructing in the Citizens Academy as needed. This unit also completed four administrative investigations for other local Police Departments.

To file a personnel complaint, download the Personnel Complaint Form and mail it to Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, P.O. Box 867, Florence, Arizona, 85132. Attention: Professional Standards Unit.