Staff cited a PFM Group Consulting assessment recommending 22 additional sworn positions and 26 support staff; the sales tax would fund patrol and investigative hires, a third evidence technician, specialized digital‑forensics software, and related equipment.

Chief Connolly told the council that the department manages roughly 100,000 evidence items in an antiquated off‑site warehouse, processes hundreds of body‑worn camera downloads daily and faces detective caseloads well above national best practices; staff said ballot funds would help with facilities, civilian positions and training.

Police Chief Sean Conley told the City Council the Flagstaff Police Department handled roughly 72,000 patrol calls and 16,599 reports last year, reported an 11% drop in violent crime and highlighted investments in officer wellness, dispatch improvements and AI-assisted report writing.