I’m Sheriff David Rhodes and I was raised in Yavapai County so my roots run deep. For 30 years I’ve served our County as a law enforcement officer and I’ve experienced the challenges coming from outside forces that demand leadership, strength, and discernment.
I value the rule of law, doing justice the right way, and keeping Yavapai County residents safe from crime and government overreach.
As your Sheriff, I will continue to build safe communities and uphold our unique way of life
Promises Kept.
LAW ENFORCEMENT COLLABORATION AND BORDER SECURITY
Border security can only occur through effective collaboration between law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal levels. I spearheaded this effort both as Yavapai County Sheriff and as the President of the Arizona Sheriff’s Association. I have aligned Sheriffs from across the state to convey the urgency and outcomes of the open border to both state and federal governments.
As Sheriff of Yavapai County, it is my responsibility to be the keeper of the Yavapai County Justice Center. In this role, I delivered both accountability and opportunity. There must be accountability for violating our laws. I also created opportunities for those who have paid their debts to society to become productive community members upon release. To that end, recidivism has decreased by 10%.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE CENTER
Accountability for the Sheriff’s Office expenditures is my responsibility. The Sheriff’s Office financials are public records. The annual budget is approved solely by the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors. Annual expenditures have been below the approved budget every year of my term. In addition, the Board of Supervisors and the State Auditors have oversight of this financial data. All contracts with outside agencies and vendors are subject to approval by the Board of Supervisors.
FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY
As Sheriff, I pursued state and federal funds available to Yavapai County to save law enforcement costs for our county taxpayers. These funds were used to hire two highly experienced human trafficking detectives to investigate crimes increased by the open border. This funding was carefully implemented to ensure that Yavapai County would remain free from government overreach.
OUTSIDE REVENUES SECURED
I continually provided the best policies and benefits for employees of the Sheriff’s Office ensuring a desirable and valued workplace. The result has been greater employee retention. I secured approval for increased deputy salaries and benefits which offset the cost of living in Yavapai County. This means our most experienced deputies stay longer and are keeping our communities safer. The decrease in deputy turnover has also lowered recruitment and training costs.
EMPLOYEE RETENTION
As Sheriff, I have dedicated more resources, personnel, and efforts to stopping the spread of fentanyl in Yavapai County and around the country. Here are just some of the measurable results based on the number of fentanyl pills seized by Yavapai County Sheriff’s Deputies.
WAR ON FENTANYL
Here are a few of the ongoing actions I have taken to preserve our Second Amendment rights in Yavapai County. First, I refuse to enforce executive orders at all levels of government in this county. Next, I worked with the Arizona Legislature to stop any legislation that would infringe on Second Amendment rights. I supported the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors in their resolution to make Yavapai County a Sanctuary County for the Second Amendment. I spoke out against the ATF and their expo facto law regarding pistol brace stocks. I also established a Clean Bill Policy in support of all constitutional rights, including the Second Amendment. I stood firmly on the side of our Second Amendment rights at every opportunity and will continue to do so.
SECOND AMENDMENT RIGHTS
rhodes' priorities
PUBLIC SAFETY AND DEPUTY RETENTION
My mission as your elected Sheriff will always be to keep the public safe. This is my top priority. My commitment to proactively prevent crime and apply the law fairly is paramount. This can only be achieved by recruiting and retaining the best men and women that Yavapai County has to offer into the Sheriff’s Office.
LAW ENFORCEMENT COLLABORATION
As your Sheriff and the President of the Arizona Sheriff’s Association, I will continue to work with all local, state, and federal agencies seeking the highest public safety outcomes for Yavapai County. Collaborating, learning, and sharing best practices with other law enforcement groups help keep our citizens safe.
BORDER SECURITY
Border security is the number one threat to the rule of law for all Yavapai County citizens and a top priority for the Sheriff’s Office. I have and will continue to fight for border security through increased public safety and law enforcement collaborations, aggressive enforcement of border related crimes, and holding our elected officials accountable for their failure to protect the Southwestern border.
COMMUNITY VALUES AND OUTREACH
It is essential to protect and nurture our unique Yavapai County lifestyle. Providing an environment of active cooperation with citizens and community groups is essential for insightful input and feedback. Guarding our community wellbeing, our special way of life, and the beauty of the land that surrounds us continues to be a leading priority.
DEFENSE OF THE U.S. CONSTITUTION
Equal protection under the law for all citizens is another top priority. This includes prohibiting government overreach through the refusal to enforce any executive or administrative orders. Only laws that are passed by our elected representative government will be enforced. I am keenly aware that as your elected Sheriff, I answer directly to the people of Yavapai County.
FISCAL CONSERVATISM
Stewardship of public funds for the sake of forwarding public safety is one of the core tenants of my constitutional responsibilities. Overseeing that funds are used wisely and ethically is a high priority. I will continue to ensure that the Sheriff’s Office financial information is transparent, includes oversight, and generates public trust.
Meet Sheriff Rhodes
Sheriff Rhodes was born in Bisbee, AZ where he lived on his family ranch in Cochise County. They moved to the Sedona-Cornville area when he was six. Growing up in Yavapai County taught him ranching, agriculture, respect for the land, and local values. Rhodes' grandfather was Chief Deputy in the Cochise County Sheriff's Office who taught him the storied history of the Arizona Sheriffs and instilled his passion for a career in law enforcement. He knew he wanted to become a Sheriff as an adult. His great-great-grandparents emigrated to Prescott in the 1890s, giving him deep family roots here.
He attended elementary school at Cottonwood Oak Creek School. His education took him all the way to Yavapai College in Prescott. His first job was on the Verde Canyon Railway. As a teen, he spent time hiking, hunting, and fishing around this diverse area and in the Grand Canyon. His local upbringing allowed him to build a substantial number of friendships across this county.
Yavapai County has been his home since childhood, and he has served it well with 30 years in the Sheriff’s Office. Today, he lives with his wife April in Prescott and still enjoys friends and outdoor activities all over the county.
YAVAPAI COUNTY IS MY HOME
EXPERIENCE THAT PROTECTS OUR UNIQUE WAY OF LIFE
Rhodes joined the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office in 1994 and served in a variety of roles, including field training officer, detective, sex crimes detective, and administrator. Details of his education and experience are listed below. In addition, he received several appointments by Justices of the Arizona Supreme Court to committees impacting the criminal justice process in the State of Arizona. State legislators, leadership, and Governors have also appointed him to legislative policy committees.
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