Salt Lake City, UT – Salt Lake City is beginning the search for a new police chief following the announcement of Chief Mike Brown’s retirement on Wednesday. Brown’s decision to step down comes amid growing concerns about the effectiveness of the Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD), with some local leaders questioning whether the department’s struggles are due to Brown’s leadership, Mayor Erin Mendenhall’s administration, or a combination of both.
The announcement of Brown’s departure has already prompted action from state lawmakers. Republican Senate leaders have voiced their concerns over the department’s ability to respond to calls in a timely manner. In response, a new proposal is being considered at the state Capitol that would deploy a State Rapid Response Team to handle calls if the SLCPD fails to meet response time expectations. The proposal signals the increasing pressure to address the city’s law enforcement challenges.
Ray Flores, the president of the Capitol City Fraternal Order of Police, expressed mixed feelings about the current situation. While he thanked Chief Brown for his years of service, Flores also emphasized the need for change in leadership. “We’d like to see some new blood come in and some new ideas,” he said, highlighting a desire for fresh leadership in the department.
Salt Lake City residents are also weighing in on the issue. Duncan Osborn, a local resident, noted that while the city feels relatively safe overall, there are growing concerns around petty crime and homelessness. He specifically pointed to the need for stronger enforcement on issues like speeding and noise complaints. “The town seems reasonably safe, other than a little bit of petty crime and the homeless situation, which I would see never getting solved,” Osborn said.
When asked about the qualities they would like to see in the new police chief, many locals expressed a desire for transparency and honesty. Osborn, in particular, emphasized that “the same everybody wants to see” is the ability to trust law enforcement leadership. “Honesty, transparency, and openness,” he said, echoing sentiments shared by others in the community.
For law enforcement officers like Flores, the next chief must have a deep understanding of the challenges on the front lines. “There has been leadership I have worked for in the past, and you can tell they have been far removed from the streets for quite some time,” Flores explained. “As a line officer, we appreciate those chiefs that can relate to us and know exactly what we are going through.” Flores also expressed the need for a chief who would advocate for the funding necessary to ensure officers have the resources and tools needed to perform their duties effectively.
As the search for a new police chief gets underway, Salt Lake City officials, including Mayor Mendenhall’s office, have remained tight-lipped about the process. When asked about next steps, the mayor’s office declined to comment, with officials stating that the mayor would “share the next steps soon.” However, Brown’s final day on the job is set for February 28, leaving the city with little time to finalize its plans for a replacement.
The vacancy left by Chief Brown’s retirement leaves both the city and the department at a crossroads, with many hopeful that the next police chief will bring new energy and ideas to address the challenges facing Salt Lake City. As the search continues, residents and officers alike are eager to see who will step into this critical leadership role.