SALT LAKE CITY — In response to ongoing complaints from individuals who live or work in the area, the Salt Lake City Police Department is conducting an order maintenance operation in the downtown area bounded by 300-1500 West and 300 North to 600 South.

“Unfortunately, there is a criminal element all too willing to use the homeless population downtown to mask their activity, which is rising along with spring’s warmer weather,” said Chief Chris Burbank. “Our goal is to deter the activity and assure people in the area that the issues are being addressed.”

The Police Department was asked to deal with a variety of public safety issues, including drug dealing, prostitution, public intoxication, disorderly conduct, jaywalking, and the like. Investigative resources were deployed Monday and Tuesday, resulting in:

• 21 felonies

• 2 Class A misdemeanors

• 23 misdemeanors

• 6 referrals to medical and drug outreach programs

Officers will be working the area through Friday, distributing warning notices for infractions and making arrests for serious crimes as warranted.

Contact: Reporters seeking comment should contact the Public Information Officer at 801.799.NEWS (6397).

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