Sheriff Joe Arpaio's approval rating has dropped.

According to the Behavior Research Center's poll, only 39 percent of those surveyed in January believe Arpaio is doing an excellent or good job.

That figure stood at 54 percent when the center last did a similar survey on Arpaio in late July 2008.

Arpaio reacted to the poll. "Dozens of negative stories were published/aired during the time this poll was taken. No one could possibly escape such criticism unscathed."

"The fact remains. I have tremendous support from the citizens of this county," he said.