Sheriff Joe

The self-proclaimed toughest sheriff in America plans to erect a sign outside 1 of his jails that will say how many inmates have served time in his complex of canvas jail tents.

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio acknowledges the idea for putting up the sign at "Tent City" was taken from McDonald's restaurants.

Still, he says his goal for the sign is to underscore that Tent City is an excellent facility.

Early in his tenure as sheriff, Arpaio won points with voters for housing inmates in canvas tents during Phoenix's triple-digit summer heat, making them wear pink underwear and banning cigarettes and porn magazines.

Critics have long complained about brutality in Arpaio's jails.