PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT

AUGUST 23, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact Information: PolicePRUnit@slcgov.com

Media Request Form: https://police.slc.gov/mediarequest/

SLCPD Social Workers Provide Outreach to People Experiencing Homelessness

SALT LAKE CITY — As part of the Salt Lake City Police Department’s ongoing enhanced patrols in response to community and public safety concerns in Liberty Park, the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Community Connection Team (CCT), recently contacted more than 90 people as part of outreach efforts.

The 30-day coordinated effort began on Sunday, July 21, 2024 and focused on providing people experiencing homelessness information about community resources.

SLCPD social workers provided information about food bank locations, substance abuse programs, housing and other essential services.

Addressing crime, homelessness, and complex social issues including poverty, mental health illness, substance abuse, access to affordable housing, and regular treatment and services is a multifaceted issue.

These are issues Salt Lake City has, for many years, taken seriously and approaches with humanity and compassion.

Future outreach efforts are expected.

This outreach effort, coordinated by the SLCPD’s Liberty Patrol Division command staff, is part of a dedicated effort of having a larger police presence in and around parks within the Liberty Patrol Division.

The Salt Lake City Police Department is providing our community with reminders about how to report crimes:

●       Emergency: Call 9-1-1

●       Non Emergency: 801-799-3000

●       mySLC – Concerns Regarding Homelessness

●       mySLC – Reporting Encampments

●       mySLC – Reporting Hazards: Needles or Biohazards

●       Salt Lake City Police – District Community Liaison Officers (DCLOs)

A photo of some SLCPD social workers is being released. Media may use this photo with credit to the Salt Lake City Police Department.

The Salt Lake City Police Department’s Community Connection Team (CCT) and Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) collaborate to help foster a safe environment for individuals to access personalized care, support, and community resources. The team, which integrates social services (licensed clinical social workers) and CIT, operates as co-responder units with officers. CIT provides specialized training and coordination to department officers and local agencies, ensuring certified crisis management response and follow-up. Additionally, CCT’s homelessness approach promotes transparent interactions, strengthens relationships, and encourages open communication, fostering mutual respect and commitment to addressing community concerns.

Photo: A team of Salt Lake City Police Department social workers stand for a photo in Liberty Park (SLCPD photo – August 22, 2024).

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