January 25, 2025

Media Contact Information

PolicePIO@slc.gov

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

SLCPD Conducts Two-Day Operation to Enhance Public Safety and Provide Resources to People in Need

SALT LAKE CITY — Today, the Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD) announced the results of a two-day law enforcement operation that focused on enhancing public safety in downtown.

The operation also paired licensed clinical social workers with officers to provide resources and services to people in need, consistent with recommendations made in the City’s Public Safety Plan.

“Holding people accountable for violating the law is our police department’s primary responsibility,” said Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown. “But we must also balance our efforts to help ensure those in need are also connected with available resources and services. This operation highlights the success of our police officers and social workers and their commitment to improving the safety of our city.”

The two-day operation, conducted on January 22 and January 23, 2025, focused on criminal activity, primarily illegal drug use, occurring near the Main City Library.

Nearly 70 officers from the SLCPD and Utah Transit Authority Police Department (UTAPD) participated in the event.

The efforts resulted in:

·       Seven people being arrested

·       Nine citations being issued

·       Methamphetamine and more than $100 in cash being seized.

Beyond the law enforcement actions, social workers from SLCPD and the Odyssey House contacted several people experiencing homelessness, which resulted in:

·       18 contacts with five people accepting housing assistance

·       Three people accepting food and blankets.

The two-day operation included officers and detectives from the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Central Patrol Division Community Impact Division, Special Investigations Unit, the SLCPD’s Bike Squad, and the Office of the Chief.

The SLCPD acknowledges the assistance of the Odyssey House in this operation.

Additional operations are expected to occur throughout the city in high-crime areas.

Several photos and video are being released. Media may use these photos and videos with credit to the Salt Lake City Police Department.

Video can be downloaded by clicking here.

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 officer speaks with a person as part of a drug investigation conducted in downtown Salt Lake City near the Main City Library (SLCPD photo – January 22, 2025).

Photo: A Salt Lake City Police officer speaks to a driver during a traffic stop following an undercover drug investigation in downtown Salt Lake City while a Utah Transit Authority police officer serves as a backing officer (SLCPD photo – January 22, 2025).

Photo: A Salt Lake City Police bike officer holds potential evidence during a drug investigation conducted in downtown Salt Lake City (SLCPD photo – January 22, 2025).

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