Arpaio related after the meeting there are several logistical issues to address and that his department is presently short of deputies.

With the most recent hires, Capt. Paul Chagolla, spokesman for MCSO, confirmed the department is down 58 deputies, but added that all of those positions are fully funded in this fiscal year’s budget set by the county supervisors.

As for where the deputies assigned to Anthem would eventually be housed, Arpaio said he wants to build a proper sheriff’s substation with appropriate signage.

“The bad guys will know we are here,” stated Arpaio. “If you have problems, I want to solve them.”

The sheriff then quipped that if he can’t get a building, he’ll put up a tent. “Air conditioned, of course.”

Arpaio also touched on illegal immigration and drug problems in smaller communities like Anthem.

“We have a drug problem in schools–be aware of that,” he said.

Asked if a MCSO deputy posted at Boulder Creek High School would have the power to make arrests on campus, Arpaio deferred to Roska, who replied that any sheriff’s deputy has the same law enforcement powers on the school’s campus as anywhere else in the county.

The MCSO captain spoke further about the department’s efforts to work with parents and school officials to curb juvenile crime at BCHS, noting the kids are becoming much more sophisticated in their attempts to circumvent the law.

“It’s a constant, evolving process,” said Roska, once again urging parents to keep the lines of communication open with their children.