About Jerry Sheridan

Jerry Sheridan, the newly-elected Sheriff of Maricopa County, brings over four decades of deep-rooted law enforcement experience, institutional knowledge, and a servant’s heart to his leadership of one of the largest sheriff’s offices in the nation. After securing a decisive victory in the 2024 general election, Sheridan was sworn into office with a clear mandate: restore stability, professionalism, and public trust while prioritizing public safety and employee support throughout Maricopa County.

Born and raised in Queens, New York, Jerry grew up in a household steeped in law enforcement values. His father, a New York City Police Department lieutenant, and his mother, a devoted homemaker, instilled in him the importance of duty, family, and public service. In 1976, the Sheridan family relocated to Fountain Hills, Arizona, where Jerry began pursuing his lifelong calling in law enforcement. By January 1977, he had joined the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office as a Reserve Deputy, launching a distinguished career that would span every rank and corner of the agency, from serving as the Chief of Detention to retiring as Chief Deputy in 2016.

A lifelong learner, Sheridan also earned a master’s degree in organizational management and graduated from the prestigious FBI National Academy. He was honored with multiple appointments to the Arizona Peace Officers Standards and Training Board by three consecutive governors, a testament to his integrity and professional standing across the law enforcement community.

Now as Sheriff, Jerry Sheridan is focused on advancing public safety through accountability, transparency, and collaboration. Among his early priorities are strengthening recruitment and retention, securing the jails to protect both detention deputies and inmates, rebuilding an Animal Crimes Unit to investigate animal cruelty and abuse, stop the drug and human smugglers who are wreaking havoc in our neighborhoods, and renewing MCSO’s connection to the diverse communities it serves.

Sheridan’s leadership is rooted in a deep respect for the agency’s employees and a commitment to ethical and effective policing. He remains as dedicated as ever to the people of Maricopa County and the mission of the Sheriff’s Office—a mission shaped by a lifetime of service and an unwavering belief in justice, order, and public trust.