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Maricopa County sheriff’s captain says traffic enforcement, added deputies stabilizing public safety in Carefree
Summary
Captain David Letourneau told the Carefree Town Council that the town’s dedicated traffic unit averages about 100 monthly traffic stops and that the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office has increased deputies assigned to the area from 16 to 21, while stressing that theft and burglaries have not risen significantly.
Captain David Letourneau of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office told the Carefree Town Council that the office has increased staffing in the Carefree area and that traffic enforcement is a priority.
"The traffic car for Carefree is averaging…he makes about 100 stops a month," Captain Letourneau said, describing the unit’s focus on speeding, unsafe lane changes and other moving violations. He said the sheriff’s office has been able to increase the number of deputies assigned to the district from 16 to 21.
The captain said the dedicated traffic deputy’s work is distinct from deputies answering calls for service: "When I say traffic, that's running traffic, actually focusing on traffic in the road instead of answering calls for service." He added that marked units placed on main thoroughfares serve as a visible deterrent.
Letourneau described overall crime levels as steady. "There’s not been a distinctive rise in any crimes," he said, noting that some counts shown as "burglaries" under statute can include thefts from vehicles or trespass incidents depending on how the law is written. He urged residents to secure vehicles and garages and to report suspicious activity: "If you see stuff that just doesn't look right...call us and let us come check it out."
Council members asked about staffing and specialized units. Letourneau said the office has worked to restore authorized staffing levels after hiring and retention challenges countywide and cited a need for training slots to get motorcycle units fully operational. He described logistics involved in motor and specialized-vehicle programs: deputies trained for motorcycle patrol have at times left for lateral hires, and higher-performance cars used for traffic enforcement require extra driver training.
The captain also noted a change in leadership at the sheriff’s office. "Sheriff Jerry Sheridan was elected and took office as of the first," Letourneau said, adding that the sheriff has over 40 years with the office and a background as second-in-command under Sheriff Arpaio.
Why this matters: Council members said residents’ prior complaints about speeding have declined and that visible enforcement can reduce nuisance behavior while not eliminating accidents. The presentation framed traffic enforcement, routine patrols and community reporting as the most immediate levers the town has to maintain public safety.
The council did not take formal action on the presentation; it was received for information.
