The police agency that is both efficient and effective will have the greatest impact on their primary purpose of crime prevention and public safety. The Flagstaff Police Department like many other agencies has struggled with high vacancy rates (30% on average), both in our Patrol and our Communications Sections. Positions in both sections require an extensive background investigation before hiring, a lengthy training period, and considerable financial investment before the employee can function on their own. Successful hiring is one of our greatest challenges, followed by the ability to retain the employee for several years after being hired. 

This discussion seeks to support the following Council Goals:
1) Invest in our employees and implement retention and attraction strategies
3) Provide sustainable and equitable public facilities, services, and infrastructure systems in an efficient and effective manner to serve all population areas and demographics
5) Develop and implement guiding principles that address public safety service levels through appropriate staffing levels
11) Ensure that we are as prepared as possible for extreme weather events