FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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SLCPD Releases Body-Worn Camera Footage Following OICI Protocol Activation

SALT LAKE CITY — Today, in compliance with Salt Lake City ordinance 2.10.200, the Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD) is releasing body-worn camera (BWC) footage from a case that resulted in an officer-involved-critical-incident protocol activation.

“This is a very tragic case,” said Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown. “Based on my review of the body-worn camera footage, and the information we have received, it appears Mr. Gianini was already in the stages of critical medical decline by the time our officers arrived on scene. Our officers acted quickly, providing Mr. Gianini with clothing and blankets to cover him to offer warmth, immediate aid, and comfort.”

This is the fourth SLCPD OICI protocol activation for 2024.

The man who died is identified as 50-year-old John Gianini.

The following contains preliminary information and is a summarization of the facts known to the department at the time of release. Additional information may develop that could result in some of this information becoming out of date.

This call for service started at 4:59 p.m. on Thursday, November 21, 2024, when SLC911 received two 9-1-1 calls from community members about a man who was naked near the intersection of 800 South 700 East. Both callers expressed concerns over the man’s physical state.

At 5 p.m., SLC911 dispatched two (2) SLCPD officers. Both units attached to the call and their status was listed as en-route at that time.

Due to the information provided by community members, two social workers assigned to the SLCPD also responded to assist.

The first officer arrived on scene at 5:04 p.m., the second officer at 5:06 p.m.

The SLCPD officers contacted Mr. Gianini and found him to be naked, conscious, breathing, but not alert.

Mr. Gianini was naked in cold winter-like temperatures and appeared very thin, weak, malnourished, and skeletal, based on a preliminary review of body-worn camera footage. Mr. Gianini did not answer any of the officers’ questions. BWC footage captured a conversation one of the officers had with a supervisor. During that conversation, the officer told the supervisor that Mr. Gianini was unresponsive and “growling.”

The only law enforcement action taken by SLCPD officers on scene was handcuffing Mr. Gianini.

Very shortly after arriving on scene, officers requested the Salt Lake City Fire Department (SLCFD) and Gold Cross Ambulance respond for a psychological evaluation and medical treatment.

Officers on scene made the decision to “pink sheet” Mr. Gianini. A pink sheet allows law enforcement to transport an individual for purposes of receiving further evaluation if they are deemed to pose an imminent danger to themselves or others. Officers were also conducting a criminal investigation into lewdness (Utah Code § 76-9-702).

Officers handcuffed Mr. Gianini shortly before paramedics arrived, as he repeatedly tried to stand despite instructions to remain seated during the investigation and while waiting for medical assistance.

Gold Cross Ambulance took Mr. Gianini to the hospital.

Prior to transport, an officer removed one of the handcuffs from Mr. Gianini’s wrist, allowing his hands to come forward. The officer then affixed the other handcuff to the gurney to allow for a secure transport.

SLCPD officers and social workers followed the ambulance in separate vehicles.

Mr. Gianini’s condition worsened while being driven to the hospital.

At 5:33 p.m., SLC911 created a call note indicating Gold Cross Ambulance requested SLCFD meet them at 400 South 900 East.

Upon reviewing the official SLCFD recorded radio traffic, Gold Cross Ambulance reported to SLCFD that: Mr. Gianini had altered mental status, low blood pressure, was hypothermic, and they could not get vitals.

Despite lifesaving efforts, Mr. Gianini died at the hospital.

Preliminarily, the time of death was reported at 5:48 p.m.

The specific cause and manner of death is not yet known and will be determined by the medical examiner.

The two SLCPD officers who interacted with Mr. Gianini are on paid administrative leave, which is a standard procedure.

OICI Protocol Team 4 (West Jordan Police) is leading this investigation.

Mr. Gianini’s last known address is at the South Salt Lake homeless resource center, located at 3380 South 1000 West.

The National Weather Service (NWS) reported the air temperature in Salt Lake City to be 46 degrees just before 5 p.m.

Links to SLCPD Body-Worn Camera (BWC) footage

·       BWC Video 1

·       BWC Video 2

·       9-1-1 Calls

In compliance with city ordinance, the SLCPD is redacting the man’s body because he is unclothed; this decision is made to protect his privacy and uphold his dignity. The BWC footage ends when paramedics arrive and start medical treatment.

No additional details are available for release and the SLCPD is not available for interviews.

The Salt Lake County Officer-Involved-Critical-Incident Protocol Team is a multijurisdictional unit comprised of investigators from police departments throughout the Salt Lake Valley, not including the agency or agencies involved. This protocol team creates an independent, transparent, and objective process from which meaningful and valuable conclusions can be drawn. Once the investigation is complete, it will be presented to the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office for review.

The information contained in this news release is based on a preliminary review of the details available to the Salt Lake City Police Department. As the investigation progresses, information may change.

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