ARIZONA: Sheriff Joe Apaio Sends "Armed Posses" To Public Schools

What could possibly go wrong?

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio's armed volunteer posses are set to begin patrolling areas around Phoenix, Ariz. schools on Monday, more than a week after the plan drew national attention in the wake of the deadly mass shooting at an elementary school in Newtown, Conn. Arizona's 3TV reports that Arpaio's volunteer force is comprised of around 3,000 members, some of which have criminal pasts.

According to CBS5, Arpaio's office has provided a list of more than 50 schools in unincorporated Maricopa County that will be patrolled by the posses, which are in charge of providing all of their own weapons and equipment. The volunteers will not actually be posted on school campuses, but will instead monitor the areas around the facilities. Posse member Jerry Johnson told 3TV that they'd be ready to fight crime if they felt they were needed.

Arpaio was sworn in for a sixth term this morning.