MCSO: All posse members have to undergo a background check

PHOENIX (AP) - Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone says all posse members will now have to undergo a background check.

He says an audit found that poor record keeping allowed some unqualified members to serve on the volunteer posse, including drug and sex offenders.

Anyone who has been arrested or convicted for domestic violence, drug crimes, sex crimes and other offenses have been removed from the posse.

Armed members will now be required to undergo background interviews, polygraphs, psychological exams and drug screenings and their background must be re-checked every two years.

A recent audit showed only four of the posse's 235 members had completed the entire certification process.

The sheriff's posse is comprised of unpaid citizens who provide support in search and rescue, crime scene security, disaster relief and emergency details.