The Pinal County Board of Supervisors has approved a $100,000 grant application to Arizona State Parks & Trails for off-highway vehicle (OHV) range patrol equipment and supplemental overtime funding. The program, which requires a $15,000 county match, would support the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office Range Deputies with overtime, equipment, and related expenses.
Supervisor Jeff Serdy highlighted the pressing need for range deputies in Districts 4 and 5, noting their rugged, remote terrain. Districts 1 and 3 face additional challenges with smuggling activities, emphasizing the importance of off-road capable law enforcement. Serdy also raised concerns about the future development of the county’s park system, questioning whether future park rangers should operate independently or under the Sheriff’s Office due to safety concerns in remote areas.
Pinal County’s OHV enforcement emphasizes education over punishment, according to Chief Deputy Matt Thomas. During the meeting, he explained that this approach particularly benefits the Gold Canyon area, where many out-of-state visitors come to recreate. “We know that we have an influx of people that are not from that area that come in to use it to recreate, which we enjoy because we enjoy those taxes when they spend their money here,” Thomas said. “As they come in, a lot of times they just don’t know the rules.”
According to Arizona Game and Fish Department regulations, OHV operators must follow specific requirements. All off-highway vehicles designed primarily for use over unimproved terrain and weighing 2,500 pounds or less must display a valid OHV decal to operate on public and state trust lands. Required safety equipment includes DOT-approved helmets for riders under 18, proper brakes, working headlights and taillights for night operation, and approved mufflers that prevent sound above 96 decibels. Vehicles must also have a USDA-approved spark arrestor device.
Improper OHV use can cause significant damage to Arizona’s landscape. According to state educational materials, reckless driving, particularly “spinning donuts,” not only breaks the law but causes long-term damage to the landscape and frequently results in accidents and injuries. Additional problems include dust generation affecting residential areas, soil erosion from off-trail riding, and damage to wildlife habitats. When complaints pile up due to such activities, land managers may be forced to close riding areas entirely.
The county currently employs multiple layers of law enforcement support. The Patrol Posse, an entirely volunteer unit, assists sworn deputies with various duties including traffic control and special events. The Citizens on Patrol (COP) program serves as additional “eyes and ears” for the Sheriff’s Office, monitoring vacant homes and supporting during special events. During the meeting, Serdy pointed to several scenarios where these auxiliary forces could be valuable, including the Lost Dutchman Marathon, Country Thunder music festival, and other large events. “You’ll see people that look like police officers but they’re auxiliary police,” Serdy explained, suggesting that using these volunteers instead of sworn officers at such events “would greatly relieve a lot of problems.”
Sheriff-Elect Teeple outlined plans to expand the range deputy program, describing initiatives to improve access to remote areas. One example includes working with ranchers in the western part of Kearney. Currently, deputies must travel from Florence via Florence-Kelvin Highway or from Dudleyville to reach certain ranching locations. Teeple reported that discussions were underway with ranchers about accessing their bridge, which would help deputies better patrol these rural areas. The new access point would allow deputies to refuel in Kearny rather than having to return to Florence or Oracle.
Looking ahead, officials discussed using volunteer patrols to assist with traffic control during major events and emergency situations. Serdy noted recent situations where Highway 60 was shut down for extended periods, suggesting that Citizens on Patrol could help direct traffic through alternative routes in future incidents.
The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the grant application, which will fund overtime hours for directed patrol operations and equipment including side-by-side accessories, enforcement equipment, and radio upgrades.
For those interested, the Pinal County website has information on volunteer law enforcement. Arizona State Parks & Trails has more information on the Off-Highway Vehicle Program.
