Patrol

Overview

Patrol Operations, the largest unit in the Police Department, provides 24-hour service every day of the year. It is made up of 3 police aides, 70 patrol officers, and 9 Sergeants (Field Supervisors) and 3 Lieutenants (Duty Commanders). Patrol officers respond to citizen-initiated calls. These include:

  • Saving life
  • Preventing injury
  • Preventing property loss
  • Maintaining order

Officers enforce laws, participate in crime prevention, and community outreach efforts. All police officers are assigned to Patrol prior to consideration for temporary assignments such as Detectives, Metro Street Crimes Task Force, or Community Relations. After two to three years the officer will rotate back into Patrol.

Flagstaff Police Department Patch

Regular Patrol

In line with our community policing philosophy, patrol officers address community crime, fear of crime, and quality of life. Patrol officers make community-policing contacts in:

  • Bar checks
  • Educational presentations
  • Block Watch meeting
  • Neighborhood clean-up projects
  • Business checks

In keeping with an emphasis on training, officers are encouraged to obtain specialized skills. Through training and experience, patrol officers have the expertise and tools necessary to provide the highest quality service to the citizens of Flagstaff.

Foot Patrol

Specialty Patrol

A number of specialty patrols are conducted on a yearly basis. Five motorcycle officers are deployed in areas where speeding and red light violations were a concern. In high accident locations, traffic unit officers established a highly visible enforcement profile in an effort to prevent accidents. Solo Motor Officers are assigned their own motorcycle to store at home, allowing them to be operational from the moment they leave their place of residence.

In 2004 the department transitioned from the Kawasaki KZ-1000 to the Harley-Davidson FXDP Dyna Defender Police motorcycle. In 2009 the Flagstaff Police Department received funding from the Governor's Office of Highway Safety for new police Honda motorcycles. Flagstaff Police motor officers are utilizing new technology and equipment to better serve the Flagstaff Community.

Motorcycle Officer Writing a Ticket

Reserve Program

Reserve Officers are fully commissioned with the same authority as a police officer while on duty. Reserve Officers are required to maintain their certification through the Arizona POST board. They are required to work at least eight hours per month and attend monthly training sessions, as well as maintain proficiency in firearms, defensive tactics, and patrol procedures. Reserve Officers provide policing of:

  • Special events
  • Parades
  • Prisoner transports
  • Traffic control