PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT

October 15, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact Information: PolicePRUnit@slcgov.com

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

SLCPD Conducts 30-Day Enforcement Operation Along Jordan River Trail, 102 People Arrested

SALT LAKE CITY — Today, the Salt Lake City Police Department is announcing the conclusion of a month-long enforcement operation along the Jordan River Trail in response to community and public safety concerns related to person, property, and drug crimes.

“We are committed to disrupting criminal activity to protect our trails, open spaces and neighborhoods,” said Chief Mike Brown. “The work of our patrol officers, bike squads, and detectives deserves recognition. Their efforts are having an impact not only in reducing crime and reducing drug trafficking, but also engaging with community members throughout our city.”

During the operation, SLCPD officers:

• Made 48 felony arrests,
• Made 54 misdemeanor arrests,
• Made 183 traffic stops,
• Issued 64 citations,
• Engaged with 1,073 people to conduct outreach or to further an investigation.

The operation began on Sunday, September 14, 2024, and ended on Monday, October 14, 2024.

The operation resulted in drugs, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin being seized, as well as drug paraphernalia and dangerous weapons.

The overall objective of this operation was to increase the presence of law enforcement along the Jordan River Trail and the area around North Temple Street and to engage with community members.

“The Salt Lake City Police Department has increased its presence along North Temple Street and the Jordan River Trail to address crime,” Chief Brown added. “We’ve increased our drug suppression and investigative efforts. Our outreach to business owners and community members has been expanded, and we’re working closely with partner agencies to strengthen our approach.”

In addition to the ongoing crime reduction efforts, the SLCPD’s Pioneer Patrol Division District Community Liaison Officer (DCLO) developed and implemented strategies focused on Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). This proactive approach uses thoughtful design changes to deter criminal activity and create safer spaces, such as increased lighting or removal of vegetation or objects that block sightlines and allow people to hide behind on public or private property. CPTED is a well-established method that not only reduces crime but also promotes long-term safety and security within our community by addressing the environmental factors that contribute to criminal behavior.

Additionally, the following Salt Lake City Police Department assets participated:

• SLCPD Central Bike Squad
• SLCPD Intelligence Center
• SLCPD K9 Squad
• SLCPD Liberty Bike Squad
• SLCPD Motor Squad
• SLCPD Pioneer Bike Squad
• SLCPD Pioneer Patrol Division
• SLCPD Public Relations Unit
• SLCPD Special Investigations Unit
• SLCPD Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT)

In October 2023, the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Pioneer Patrol Division began increased enforcement along the Jordan River Trail and in communities along the trail to address and prevent criminal activity.

SLCPD officers conducts daily patrols along the Jordan River Trail and North Temple Street to disrupt criminal activity.

The SLCPD would like to recognize the Utah Department of Public Safety for their assistance supporting SLCPD’s efforts.

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)

For information on the individuals arrested, including charges and age, please refer to the Utah Courts Xchange system.

###