Flagstaff approves $360,100 state anti‑human‑trafficking grant; police describe multiagency task force successes
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Summary
Council accepted an Arizona Department of Public Safety anti‑human‑trafficking grant of about $360,100 to fund a dedicated detective, overtime, advocacy support and digital forensic software. Deputy Chief Charles Hernandez credited interagency operations and the North Star task force with at least 25 arrests in prior operations.
Deputy Chief Charles Hernandez briefed the council on a second‑year grant award from the Arizona Department of Public Safety focused on anti‑human‑trafficking efforts. Hernandez said the department received about $360,100 from a maximum available award of $500,000. The funds will support a dedicated human‑trafficking detective, overtime for four planned operations (about $140,000), increased outreach and advocacy funding (about $40,000), and roughly $42,000 for digital forensic software to collect and retain electronic evidence.
Hernandez described the North Star task force — a multidisciplinary partnership that includes the Flagstaff Police Department, Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, Northern Arizona University Police Department, Northland Family Help Center and Applejack's Ranch — and said it produced "over at least 25 arrests coming from 4 operations" in the previous year. He emphasized a mix of enforcement, victim advocacy, training and operational supports to sustain the work.
Council voted to accept the grant. Council members thanked the police, advocates and interagency partners and noted the grant helps fill fiscal gaps to run sustained operations.
Outcome: Acceptance of DPS anti‑human‑trafficking grant of $360,100 for FY2026. Funds will support detective staffing, overtime, outreach/advocacy and digital forensic tools; staff will implement operations in coordination with regional partners.
