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PHOENIX — A year into his tenure as Maricopa County Sheriff, Paul Penzone is still dealing with the residual effects from his predecessor’s controversial 24-year reign.

In an interview with KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Mac & Gaydos, Penzone responded to a protest held on Monday by the migrant-rights group Puente Arizona, asking Penzone to end what they called an “Arpaio culture of hate.”

Penzone rebuffed claims that he is continuing the unconstitutional practices enacted by former Sheriff Joe Arpaio and challenged activists to “give him specifics…not global statements.”

The sheriff said he has made changes to ensure his department is law-abiding and is no longer unconstitutional.

“We are ensuring that anyone who violates the law or our policies is being held accountable,” Penzone said.

Penzone said he has also addressed inmate conditions within the jails, including converting Tent City into a opioid treatment center and responding to a hunger strike with nearly two dozen inmates last month.

He said he has also worked to increase the transparency in his jails, raising the number of tours taken by the public and even offering them the option to try jail food for themselves.

But when it comes to the typical conditions of a jail, such as the walls and the iron bars, Penzone said “those circumstances won’t change.”

Penzone also said if Arpaio runs for U.S. Senate next year in an attempt to fill the seat left vacant by U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), he will write-in a candidate — including KTAR News’ 92.3 FM‘s own Larry Gaydos.

“Leaders should be servant leaders,” Penzone said, adding that they should be strong, committed and working hard to improve their constituents’ quality of life.

“If their character is lacking, then they are not deserving.”

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