Sheriff Paul Penzone has been protecting and serving the public for more than 30 years, including 21 years with the Phoenix Police Department, where one of his many accomplishments includes the creation of Testigo Silencioso, the Silent Witness program for the city’s Spanish-speaking population.   

Under his current leadership, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is committed to a mission of ethical and effective law enforcement and public safety with an emphasis on efforts to help promote partnerships and trust with communities.  

Memberships include the Arizona Sheriff’s Association, the Major Counties Sheriff’s Association, the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Department of Homeland Security Regional Advisory Council. While serving on the President’s Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice, he was focused on mental illness, homelessness and substance abuse impacting public safety.  

Sheriff Penzone studied criminal justice at Northern Arizona University. He and his wife, Veronica, have two sons, Paul and Austin.