January 31, 2025

Media Contact Information

PolicePIO@slc.gov

https://police.slc.gov/mediarequest/

SLCPD Operation Yields Significant Results Along Jordan River Trail, 1700 Fentanyl Pills Seized, 23 People Arrested

SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD) is releasing results from a two-day operation conducted along the Jordan River Trail focused on crime reduction, public safety, and community outreach.

“This was a very important and successful operation, and our officers and detectives accomplished a lot of great work in a short time to make the Jordan River Trail safer,” said Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown. “Yet, we know there is still work to be done, and we remain focused on improving safety, reducing crime, and making sure support services are available for people who need them.”

During the operation, conducted on January 28 and January 29, 2025, SLCPD officers dedicated 311 total hours, leading to:

·       13 felony arrests and 10 misdemeanor arrests.

·       Three illegal camping citations issued.

·       12 illegal camps mitigated.

·       Five other misdemeanor-level citations issued.

SLCPD officers recovered a significant amount of illegal drugs during the operation, including:

·       1,770 fentanyl pills.

·       1.9 grams of powdered cocaine.

·       18.9 grams of crack cocaine.

·       37.6 grams of heroin.

Officers also seized $2,990 in cash.

As part of the operation, the SLCPD’s licensed clinical social workers assisted officers to provide outreach and services to individuals along the Jordan River Trail.

One of the people social workers contacted accepted placement at a substance use disorder treatment center. Social workers also provided mental health resources, drug abuse treatment, and other support and services information to a person arrested on felony-level charges.

The SLCPD appreciates the support and collaboration from its patrol officers, Special Operations Division, Community Impact Division, Community Connections Team, the Police Community Response Team (PCRT), and the Office of the Chief, all of whom played a crucial role in this operation.

As part of Mayor Mendenhall’s Public Safety Plan, the SLCPD is taking additional steps to improve public safety and enhance enforcement along the Jordan River Trail.

These efforts include the Pioneer Patrol Division’s District Community Liaison Officer leading efforts to remove overgrown brush and trees in high-crime areas, increasing visibility for officers and community members. This is part of the SLCPD’s ongoing commitment to Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED).

Officers assigned to the SLCPD’s Community Impact Division will begin to focus on safety around Backman Elementary School, ensuring a secure corridor for students walking to school. Media interested in conducting ride-alongs during these efforts should contact the SLCPD Public Relations Unit.

And third, the SLCPD is coordinating with city partners to install public safety cameras in high-drug activity zones near Cottonwood Park and 500 North.

The SLCPD will continue to monitor and quickly address crime patterns in these areas while expanding enforcement and intervention efforts citywide to enhance the safety and well-being of our community.

Several photos from the operation are being released. Media may use these photos with credit to the Salt Lake City Police Department.

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.

Photo: A Salt Lake City Police car parked along the Jordan River Trail near Cottonwood Park during a two-day enforcement operation (Salt Lake City Police Department photo – January 30, 2025).

Photo: A Salt Lake City Police social worker speaks with a person arrested during a two-day operation along the Jordan River Trail. The social worker provided the person information on services prior to them being booked into jail (Salt Lake City Police Department photo – January 30, 2025).

Photo: Evidence including drug paraphernalia and several fentanyl pills seized during a felony arrest along the Jordan River Trail are shown on the hood of a police car (Salt Lake City Police Department photo – January 30, 2025).

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