In response to community concerns, the Flagstaff Police Department stated that all Flagstaff officers are required to clearly identify themselves while on duty.
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Amid “heightened concerns” about the work of outside federal agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Flagstaff Police Department released a community announcement today stating that its officers have no part in enforcing federal immigration laws in the city.
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The agency said its role is “to enforce state laws and city codes, protect public safety, and respond to civil unrest when necessary.”
This statement comes amid an increased presence of ICE activity in cities across the state and concerns from the public.
According to the statement released on Saturday, Flagstaff police officers are required to identify themselves while on duty and are always to wear “clearly identifiable uniforms or clothing that indicate they are members of the Flagstaff Police Department.”
Flagstaff officers also will never cover their faces, unless there is extreme weather.
The police department urges anyone who encounters a person claiming to be a Flagstaff officer with a face covering or no identifiable markings to call 911 or, if the situation is not active, to call the non-emergency line at 928-774-1414.
Other agencies in Arizona, such as the Mesa and Phoenix police departments, have also released their own statements regarding the public’s concerns regarding federal agents in Arizona.
The full statement from the Flagstaff Police Department is below:
The mission of the Flagstaff Police Department is to protect and preserve life, property, and public order through elite service. We provide this service with dignity, respect and transparency. We are committed to protecting the rights and safety of everyone who lives in, works in, and visits Flagstaff.
We recognize that there are heightened concerns regarding the operations of outside federal agencies, including federal agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). We would like to clarify that the Flagstaff Police Department does not enforce federal immigration laws. Our role is to enforce state laws and city codes, protect public safety, and respond to civil unrest when necessary. However, while we do not participate in or assist ICE operations, we also cannot interfere with or prevent lawful federal activities.
Flagstaff police officers will always identify themselves as police officers when acting in an official capacity, and officers performing official duties will not wear full-face coverings, except when needed during inclement weather. Officers will also wear clearly identifiable uniforms or clothing that indicate they are members of the Flagstaff Police Department.
If a member of the public encounters someone claiming to be a Flagstaff police officer and the individual is wearing a full-face covering, or lacks clear identifying markings, the public has the right to question that individual’s identity. For active situations, please call 911. For incidents reported after the fact, please call the non-emergency line at 928-774-1414.
While the Flagstaff Police Department does not participate in or assist ICE operations, we may partner with other federal agencies on serious criminal investigations, including drug trafficking, child exploitation, human trafficking, and other violent crimes.
If anyone has concerns about an interaction with law enforcement, they are encouraged to contact us directly. We remain committed to public safety, transparency, and open communication with our community.
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