Latest news with #PublicSafetyPlan
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Yahoo
SLCPD ramps up patrols of Liberty Park; Neighbor takes different approach
SALT LAKE CITY () — Beginning this week, the Salt Lake City Police Department has ramped up patrols and enforcement in Liberty Park. This increased enforcement comes off the heels of the recent closure and patrol of portions of the Jordan River Trail. In the first three weeks of their operation, SLCPD made 82 arrests with 33 of them being for felonies. It's progress that they hope to see translate over to Liberty Park. Police say they've heard criminal activity has made its way to the park. SLCPD 'making progress' in public safety along Jordan River Trail after closure Police Spokesperson Brent Weisberg detailed, 'We have heard from our community members their concerns about the crime that is happening in Liberty Park. So, we want to remain responsive and proactive to those needs of our community members.' Weisburg added that their efforts, which are steps taken to follow the city's public safety plan, hope to bring a feeling of safety to those who enjoy public spaces in the city, like Liberty Park. He explained, 'Liberty Park is such a popular place for people to come relax and enjoy the great amenities of our city. So as a police department, we have to make sure we're doing everything we can to sustain that growth and that positivity.' PREVIOUS: Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall reports positive progress to city's Public Safety Plan Often, the discussion around public safety has included overlap with crime and the issue of homelessness. It was a main focal point around the public safety plan released in January by Mayor Erin Mendenhall. Liberty Park, similarly to the Jordan River Trail, is no stranger to the unsheltered population. That's why one Liberty Park neighbor is not a fan of the police's increased activity. Sarah Jolley called the patrols 'absolutely disproportionate to the neighborhood. It's disruptive to the neighborhood. And it's corrosive to this community.' Over the last couple of years, Jolley has established what has become a sort of community resource center for her unsheltered neighbors from her front porch. Photos: Sarah Jolley's front yard has turned into a resource and donation center for the unsheltered in the Liberty Park neighborhood. 'Neighbors Supporting Neighbors' is exactly as it sounds. Jolley sees those who are unsheltered living in or near the park as her neighbors. She explained, 'You don't choose who your neighbors are. That is a word that only describes proximity of people who live next to each other. I live next to all these people. They're all my neighbors.' Jolley has made it her mission to know the names of everyone she can in the neighborhood, especially the unsheltered. She has lists of names and has taken their photos as they have become regulars at her donation stand and does not describe this group as 'transient.' Jolley says they are an unsheltered community that has called the Liberty Park neighborhood home just like anyone else who may have a physical home. 'Neighbors by proximity. Neighborly By choice. ' Sarah Jolley on the mantra of her 'Neighbors Supporting Neighbors' group 'To me, I met them all two years ago, and they're all still here. Two years is a long time to be neighbors of somebody,' said Jolley. All of this has manifested itself over the years as a front yard full of donations that have come from neighbors and even local businesses. Her next plan is to build a food forest in her yard and public strip. The goal is to grow and share produce while continuing to build community. Jolley said of the plan, 'We're building a food forest on my public strip and combating, you know, death with life. And whatever they're trying to do in the park, we're staying tight.' ABC4 asked police about efforts like these to help the unsheltered community. Wesiburg responded, 'We see the generosity from our community members here in Salt Lake City, and that is what makes Salt Lake City such a great place to live, work and visit is that generosity of our community members.' Wesiburg went on to describe the department's role in offering more than just enforcement. He described, 'We are focused on what is proven strategies. We want to make sure that we are offering wraparound services to individuals.' He continued, 'We want to make sure that we're doing everything we can to provide a larger, broader, more holistic response to making sure that we're supporting these individuals with true wraparound services.' Police didn't provide a timeline for how long enhanced enforcement will continue in Liberty Park, similar to their efforts on the Jordan River Trail, saying they will continue to respond to where crime is. As for Jolley, you'll continue to see her at her daily meetings with people in the park discussing what everyone needs. You'll also see a growing crop of resources in her front yard. SLCPD ramps up patrols of Liberty Park; Neighbor takes different approach Jack in the Box to close up to 200 restaurants Two struck, FrontRunner delayed in alleged Murray hit-and-run Trump changes tone on tariffs Lingering showers bring chances for scattered thunderstorms in Utah Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Yahoo
858 arrests made in San Bernardino as part of joint law enforcement operation: Newsom
The Brief Governor Gavin Newsom announced a joint law enforcement operation in San Bernardino, resulting in 858 arrests, recovery of 66 stolen vehicles, and seizure of 28 illicit firearms. On March 16, high-tech camera technology enabled the arrest of a road rage suspect on the 10 Freeway. Significant bipartisan legislation signed by Governor Newsom in August aims to crack down on property crime. SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. - Governor Gavin Newsom has announced significant progress in a joint law enforcement operation in San Bernardino, resulting in numerous arrests and the recovery of stolen vehicles and firearms. The initiative is part of a broader effort to combat crime across California. What we know In a statement, Newsom said the ongoing joint law enforcement operation in San Bernardino has resulted in 858 arrests, including 140 felony arrests, 66 stolen vehicles recovered, and 28 illicit firearms seized since the operation's launch in October. The enhanced operation in the region places additional CHP personnel in San Bernardino to help clamp down on property theft and violent crime, including gun violence. The CHP's operation adds special law enforcement units on the ground and in the air — targeting sideshow activities and stolen vehicles. SUGGESTED: 29 arrested, 10 firearms recovered in San Bernardino County sting On March 16, due to an enhanced public safety presence in the area and augmented resources dedicated through the state budget, officers were able to arrest a road rage incident suspect using high-tech camera technology. The suspect had fired at a neighboring vehicle on the 10 Freeway using a black semiautomatic handgun, officials said. CHP officers were able to arrest the suspect the same day in a neighboring city. The backstory Through a state, county, and city partnership, the CHP saturates high-crime areas, aiming to reduce roadway violence and criminal activity in the area, specifically vehicle theft and organized retail crime. SUGGESTED: 28 arrested during retail theft bust in San Bernardino County The Newsom administration has provided similar CHP support to regional crime hot spots throughout California, including Bakersfield and the Bay Area. By the numbers California has invested $1.1 billion since 2019 to fight crime, help local governments hire more police, and improve public safety. In 2023, as part of California's Public Safety Plan, Newsom announced the largest-ever investment to combat organized retail crime in state history, an annual 310% increase in proactive operations targeting organized retail crime, and special operations across the state to fight crime and improve public safety. SUGGESTED: 36 arrested, $25K worth of stolen goods recovered in San Bernardino County What they're saying "As we continue prioritizing the safety and security of our communities statewide, the efforts done regionally in the San Bernardino area between state and local law enforcement are helping keep bad actors off the streets and holding them accountable for their actions," Newsom said. The Source Information for this story is from a press release published by the Office of Gov. Gavin Newsom on March 27, 2025.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Yahoo
Everett Police Department grapples with staffing shortages
The Everett Police Department says it's grappling with staffing shortages. There are currently 195 officers, but they have about 221 positions, which means they have 24 positions they are looking to fill. KIRO 7 spoke to Lieutenant Gregory Sutherland with the Everett Police Department. He said in recent years, officers have seen dwindling pools to pull prospective officers from. 'It's been a struggle for years to fill positions that we have,' Sutherland told KIRO 7. 'It's a great department to work for. There's a lot of challenges, but like many places across the country, we're struggling to fill out positions.' Since 2020, the department has hired 91 officers but has also lost some each year. Lt. Sutherland said that because of the empty positions, their response times are slower and they aren't able to investigate crimes as quickly because they don't have enough detectives. 'We have really good people and do the best with what we have.' It's not just a problem that Everett is facing – it's something agencies are experiencing statewide. According to the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, Washington has had the lowest officer-to-resident ratio in the nation for 14 years in a row. As part of his Public Safety Plan, Governor Bob Ferguson has proposed a $100 million grant program for law enforcement agencies to help with hiring. If anyone is interested in law enforcement, Lt. Sutherland suggested that they reach out to the Everett police. 'We encourage people who are interested to come on a ride-along, meet an officer, and see what the department is like.'
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Brian Redd tapped as Salt Lake's next police chief, but will he ease crime concerns?
Mayor Erin Mendenhall presented her office's public safety plan to tackle crime in Salt Lake City in January. The plan specifically included increasing police presence downtown and in high-crime areas. A month later, Mendenhall recommended a new police chief, Brian Redd, who's served as the Utah Department of Corrections executive director for nearly two years, to implement the plan. Though crime is the lowest it has been in 16 years, Mendenhall said it doesn't matter what statistics say if people don't feel safe. 'I've learned more than ever in this job that perception is reality and never more so than in public safety.' 'The perception of being safe is real, and it is our job to address that,' she told the Deseret News Editorial Board on Friday afternoon alongside Redd. 'This change in leadership reflects that.' Mendenhall announced her nomination of Redd last week in a press conference. The Salt Lake City Council will make the deciding vote on Tuesday, and Mendenhall anticipates the council will lean in Redd's favor. Mendenhall said Friday that the city's government cannot work in isolation to execute her public safety plan. Key actions of the Public Safety Plan include: Increase police presence downtown and in high-crime neighborhoods to decrease gun violence and get drugs off the streets. Increase emergency shelter options to allow more year-round services for the homeless. Impose higher prosecution for 'High Utilizers' of the legal system. Expand treatment for mental health, behavioral health and substance use. Invest in housing to create options for homeless people following their time in shelter services. It is 'the most clear prescription for solutions across the spectrum of services for the people most in need and who are creating the most negative impact in the city,' she said, adding that Redd, 'brings trusted relationships across this system and a proven record of positive transformation in departments that he has led.' Rep. Matthew Gwynn, R-Farr West, agreed, calling Mendenhall's nomination of Redd a 'phenomenal pick.' 'Brian is a change agent and will make surmountable strides in improving morale, thus creating an environment in which police officers will feel able and willing to proactively police Salt Lake City and respond to calls for service in a manner prescriptive to the individual calls themselves,' he told the Deseret News, adding that he hopes Mendenhall will give Redd the 'capacity and discretion to make decisions that will allow for the SLCPD to reach their full potential.' Redd told the Deseret News that the first thing he would do in his new role was listen to his officers' concerns. 'I said this all the time in the Department of Corrections, and it's true: How can we at the top make good decisions if we're not talking to the people on the ground and listening to them?' 'That's my commitment to the officers, (which) is to listen and to try to implement the things that they are seeing out on the street and providing that support.' Promising to be a boots-on-the-ground kind of leader, Redd has spent much of his professional career in that capacity. 'I did that in the Department of Corrections. I worked the graveyard shift alongside the officers and made it a point to engage with all levels of the organization, and I did the same in the Department of Public Safety,' he said. 'I will be with the officers out in the field.' Both he and Mendenhall said the SLCPD would not enforce federal immigration laws unless absolutely necessary. 'There needs to be trust in those communities with the police because a lot of times what happens is those who are undocumented are victimized, many times, by their own community,' Redd said. 'We need to make sure that they feel comfortable to report crime to the police.' 'The balance that I would have to strike is, do we need to have police officers in the area in case there's a problem? But I don't want the perception that we're involved in federal immigration enforcement. That is not our role.' Mendenhall mentioned that since the city receives grants from the Department of Justice, it remains in compliance with federal requirements and respects their actions, but local law enforcement 'was never designed to do immigration enforcement (and) doesn't have any capacity in the systems to even do those kinds of checks and doesn't want to on top of everything else that our local policing is handling.' 'We receive federal dollars, and we make sure that we're in compliance. But what's happening right now is destabilizing and ambiguous.'
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Yahoo
5 charged in Duchesne County after 14-month-old toddler overdoses on fentanyl
NEOLA, Utah () — Five people were taken into custody late last week after a 14-month-old toddler overdosed on fentanyl and 'stopped breathing for a substantial amount of time.' Police say the 14-month-old toddler overdosed on the deadly opioid in a Neola, Utah home on Sunday, Jan. 26, leading to the child being life flighted to Primary Children's Hospital in Lehi. It is unclear what the current condition of the toddler is. Just over a week later, detectives took the five suspects — identified by court documents as Thomas David Montes, 63; Marcelino Junior Montes, 46; Esperanza Alberta Valdez, 44; Tamra Ann Colonna, 21; Chance Leo Montes, 20 — into custody as part of an ongoing child endangerment investigation. Detectives say all five suspects lived in the same home as the toddler. A sixth suspect allegedly fled to tribal jurisdiction following the toddler's overdose. Salt Lake City launches online dashboard for 'accountability' on Public Safety Plan According to court documents, police found 1,600 fentanyl pills, estimated to have a street value of $20,000 within the home, as well as 18 grams of marijuana, one gram of methamphetamine, suboxone, drug paraphernalia, a 7mm rifle, knives, crossbows, taser, and various rounds of ammunition. Upon entering the home, deputies detained Thomas, Chance, Tamra, and Marcellino Montes. When asked if anyone else was in the home, they all denied it. When asked where Valdez and the sixth suspect were, Thomas Montes reportedly said they were at another home in Whiterocks. Valdez was later found inside the home hiding beneath a large pile of blankets and pillows. All five were charged in the Eighth District County of Duchesne County on the following charges: Thomas David Montes Distribution of a controlled substance, second-degree felony Purchase, transfer, possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person, third-degree felony Obstructing justice, Class A misdemeanor Reckless endangerment, Class A misdemeanor Possession or a controlled substance, Class A misdemeanor Possession of drug paraphernalia, Class B misdemeanor Tamra Ann Colonna Distribution of a controlled substance, second-degree felony Reckless endangerment, Class A misdemeanor Obstructing justice, third-degree felony Possession of a controlled substance, Class A misdemeanor Possession of a controlled substance, Class B misdemeanor Possession of drug paraphernalia, Class B misdemeanor Marcelino Junior Montes Distribution of a controlled substance, second-degree felony Purchase, transfer, possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person, third-degree felony Purchase, transfer, possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person, third-degree felony Possession of a controlled substance, Class A misdemeanor Obstructing justice, Class A misdemeanor Possession of a controlled substance in a correctional facility, Class A misdemeanor Possession of a controlled substance, Class B misdemeanor Possession of a controlled substance, Class B misdemeanor Possession of drug paraphernalia, Class B misdemeanor Chance Leo Montes Distribution of a controlled substance, second-degree felony Purchase, transfer, possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person, third-degree felony Obstructing justice, Class A misdemeanor Reckless endangerment, Class A misdemeanor Possession or controlled substance, Class A misdemeanor Purchase, transfer, possession of a dangerous weapon by restricted person, Class A misdemeanor Possess or use of a controlled substance, Class B misdemeanor Possession of drug paraphernalia, Class B misdemeanor Esperanza Alberta Valdez Distribution of a controlled substance, second-degree felony Possession of a controlled substance with prior distribution conviction, third-degree felony Purchase, transfer, possession or use of a dangerous weapon by restricted person, third-degree felony Purchase, transfer, possession or use of a dangerous weapon by restricted person, third-degree felony Obstructing justice, Class A misdemeanor Reckless endangerment, Class A misdemeanor Possession of a controlled substance, Class B misdemeanor Possession of drug paraphernalia, Class B misdemeanor Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
