Changes to the Unified Police Department are coming. Some of the information out there has not been entirely accurate, so I thought it might be helpful to share some insight. This past legislative session, state legislators decided to remove language about the Unified Police Department (UPD) from state statute. This meant UPD would need to operate by interlocal only, and without the state giving specific guidelines.
This legislation originally removed the county sheriff as the CEO of UPD, as many cities questioned whether it was a conflict of interest with the sheriff wearing two hats. But when the sheriff’s association and Sheriff Rivera met with the legislative sponsor, they supported just removing the UPD language altogether from state code. Unified Police Department is a governmental agency created by interlocal agreement. It serves areas such as Millcreek, Holladay, Midvale, unincorporated Salt Lake County, and the townships. The board can choose their CEO, but for years they have just kept the county sheriff as the CEO. This has created some heartburn for cities not in UPD who wonder if there is appropriate financial separation between UPD and the countywide sheriff services. I have also been asked about this and have been participating on a committee to gather more information. All of our county residents receive great countywide public safety services from the sheriff’s office. Some of these countywide services include the statutory duties of the sheriff, such as operations of the jail, warrants and extraditions, and search and rescue. There are additional countywide services that provide a countywide benefit such as drug court, metro gangs, major investigations and drug enforcement, and canyon patrol. For those who are UPD officers or live in UPD service areas, rest assured that leaders from Millcreek, Midvale, Holladay and other areas are working hard to ensure UPD remains a stable and top-notch police agency to take care of your needs. There will just be one difference and that is a cleaner separation between your policing agency and the county sheriff who represents all areas of the valley. I believe this will give UPD a better chance to grow and thrive. It will also help other police agencies rest assured that there are no conflicts of interest, and all agencies will be represented well by the sheriff’s office. As a Salt Lake County Councilmember, I believe funding transparency is vitally important for all county services. This is especially true as it relates to law enforcement services that are provided on a countywide basis. The tax dollars used for these services come from residents and all taxpayers throughout the county. When deciding which programs to fund on a countywide basis I provide careful consideration to determine the usefulness of these services to your community, if the current resource allocations and service levels are appropriate, and the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the programs.
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SLCO highlights from 2023 - improved trails, mental health resources, and fiscal responsibility2/13/2024 As 2023 closes, I am thrilled to share some remarkable accomplishments that highlight the progress and success that Salt Lake County has experienced over the past year. From the pristine trails, the compassionate care for our furry friends, and an emphasis on mental health resources, Salt Lake County has truly shone in its commitment to excellence.
One of the standout achievements is the recent inauguration of the Butterfield Canyon Trail at the Butterfield Trailhead Regional Park. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation, Rio Tinto Kennecott, and the Bureau of Land Management, we cut the ribbon on this expansive trail on August 31, 2023. This trail, spanning 14 miles, showcases our dedication to outdoor recreation, and welcomes hikers, equestrians, trail runners, and mountain bikers alike. When it comes to animal welfare, we take immense pride in Animal Services achieving a decade of no-kill status. We stand as the first capital area to reach this milestone, and one of the pioneers nationwide. Additionally, Animal Services has been recognized as the best in the state for the 15th time, showcasing our ongoing dedication to the well-being of our community's animals. The Huntsman Mental Health Institute’s Receiving Center bridge program is now open, thanks to funding from Salt Lake County. This expansion increases access for mental health needs in our community, providing crucial support and resources for those who need it most. This location will provide service until the new mental health crisis center opens in 2025. Our Salt Lake County Library has gained national recognition from the National Association of Counties, honoring the outstanding services and resources it provides to our residents. This acknowledgment reinforces the importance of education, literacy, and community engagement. Let's not forget the heartwarming success of the Meals on Wheels program, delivering nourishment and companionship to those in need. By the end of the year Salt Lake County will have delivered more than 375,000 meals. This invaluable service supports all members of our community who may be vulnerable or isolated. Addressing the pressing issue of jail services, we acknowledge the need for expansion. As we grow and evolve, it is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of our community members. In terms of fiscal responsibility, Salt Lake County has balanced its budget while maintaining a AAA bond rating. This achievement reflects our commitment to sound financial management, ensuring stability and security for our community. Our convention centers, the Salt Palace Convention Center and the MACU Expo Center, have hosted a multitude of successful events, attracting visitors and revenue to our community. These venues continue to be vital components of our local economy and end up saving taxpayer dollars as we generate sales tax revenue from out-of-town guests. As we think about all these great things we've done, let's remember how strong and connected Salt Lake County is. We are lucky to live in this beautiful, vibrant place! I remember the year vividly. We were doing our annual 4th of July fireworks in our circle with neighbors gathered. My neighbor… we will call him “Frank” to protect his identity, brought forward his homemade mortar – complete with his self-built mortar launcher. Frank lit the fuse and we watched as the mortar launcher tipped over, sending the mortar shooting into the road and making the loudest explosion that has ever graced our little neighborhood fireworks party. It was so scary! What if a car had driven past right then? What if it tipped the other way and shot towards one of our homes, or worse yet towards all of us where we were all sitting with our kids?
Accidents with fireworks happen all the time. They can be made worse when you invite Frank to the party and he brings his homemade pyrotechnic creation, but still… they happen. Combine that with the dry brush from this year’s drought, and we have intense risk. My brother-in-law used to work for VECC, the valley’s 911 dispatch center. He always dreaded the July holidays because the high volume of calls regarding fireworks made it so difficult for people to get through who were having life-threatening issues. Because of the drought, Frank’s wild firework creations, and hearing my brother-in-law’s 911 stories, I decided last year that we were going to end the circle fireworks party. There are many better ways to celebrate the 4th and 24th. The ongoing drought (ranging from severe to exceptional), more people living on the borders of wildland, and increased recreation in the canyons within Salt Lake County, elevates our fire risk. Prevention and mitigation are much preferred to having to respond to and recover from a fire. The drought has left our reservoirs and lakes at record lows, contributing to dry conditions and leaving firefighters with less water to combat fires. It is vitally important that we be fire smart this summer. Small things can make a big difference. It is estimated that exercising sensible fire practices can prevent roughly 70 percent of Utah wildfires. These are things like discarding cigarettes in the proper receptacles, not driving over or parking your car on dry vegetation, and securing trailer chains to make sure they don’t drag and spark a fire. Use a mindful approach, such as only starting campfires in cement or metal firepits, never leaving them unattended, and fully drowning them until cool to the touch. Utahfireinfo.gov has even more information to consider for your summer plans. Many residents celebrate the 4th and 24th of July with fireworks. Fireworks are a lot of fun, but I’d encourage you to attend professional fireworks shows instead of lighting your own. The professional shows have measures in place to ensure safety. I’m a big fan of liberty and freedom, but I’m also a big fan of personal responsibility, so join me in foregoing fireworks this year. Let’s be smart and be part of the solution! |
Aimee Winder NewtonAimee Winder Newton has served since 2014 and represents Taylorsville, Murray, West Jordan, and West Valley City on the Salt Lake County Council. She was a former 2020 Republican candidate for Utah Governor and was the first woman elected as chair of the Council. Aimee works tirelessly to defend the quality of life in Salt Lake County while protecting tax dollars... [read more]
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Aimee Winder Newton | aimee winder newton: County Council district 3 |