A national watchdog organization, Judicial Watch, citing potential conflicts with Arizona state law, has requested the City of Sedona to review and revise the Sedona Police Department’s warning shot policy.
Judicial is also concerned about the accuracy of the policy.
According to Judicial Watch, on July 28, 2025, the organization submitted a public records request (PRR) to City Manager Annette Spickard regarding the Sedona Police Department (SPD) warning shot policy. The request was promptly addressed, and the PRR was closed on September 4, 2025.
Judicial Watch sought various SPD documents, including training records, policy manuals, and communications related to the use of warning shots. However, many of the requested documents were not provided or available. The responsive documents included 26 emails, which revealed a timeline of events and issues related to the warning shot policy.
Notably, on April 18, 2023, an email indicated that a revised policy manual for SPD was under consideration, which included and allowed warning shots. Subsequent emails showed ongoing evaluations and suggestions for policy revisions, with some recommendations to exclude warning shots.
Judicial Watch expressed concerns that the current policy may conflict with A.R.S. §13-3107, also known as Shannon’s Law, which could classify the use of warning shots as a class 6 felony. Additionally, they questioned the accuracy and consistency of the policy with AZPOST (State law enforcement certification agency) and other law enforcement standards.
Judicial Watch has requested the City Council and City Manager to consider revising the SPD policy to eliminate the use of warning shots. They have indicated their intention to make a formal complaint to the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (AZPOST) and the Arizona Attorney General’s office if the policy is not revised.