PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT

August 26, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact Information: PolicePRUnit@slcgov.com

SLCPD Releases Statement on 2018 OICI Grand Jury Ruling

SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake City Police Department released the following statement regarding the April 18, 2018, officer-involved-critical-incident upon the conclusion of the district attorney’s press conference.

These are always tragic situations, and our condolences are with the Pikyavit family.

The Salt Lake City Police Department thanks the grand jury for their thorough review and consideration of this case. The amount of time this incident has remained under criminal review by the district attorney is regrettable. The recent decision by the grand jury demonstrates that our officers are called upon by the community to act with professionalism and bravery in very volatile and tense situations. 

The grand jury’s decision is a decision that our community deemed our officer’s actions justified under the law. 

Police work is dynamic and complex requiring officers to make split-second decisions and our officers regularly show great professionalism, tactics and bravery in very volatile and tense situations. 

Our officers receive and utilize ongoing and comprehensive training related to use of force matters that prioritizes the preservation of life.

Every day, our officers come to work to help ensure community safety and to protect themselves and fellow officers — we are proud of our officers.

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