Salt Lake City, OK – After years of growing pressure and criticism, Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown has announced his resignation. The move comes following a long period of discontent from both the department’s officers and the public, and after multiple instances of controversy during his tenure.
Chief Brown’s critics have been vocal for some time, with some calling for his resignation as early as 2020. That year, the union representing SLCPD officers conducted a vote of “no confidence” in his leadership, with approximately 91 percent of officers expressing distrust in Brown as their leader. The fallout from the vote was significant: officers left the department in large numbers, contributing to a noticeable increase in crime rates and slower response times to emergency calls.
The department’s average response time to Priority 1 calls – the most urgent type of 911 calls – reached 18 minutes and 36 seconds in August 2020, a stark increase compared to the department’s target goal of 5 minutes. Chief Brown attributed the delays to staffing shortages, noting that 92 officers had left the department at the height of the crisis.
Amid the turmoil, the Salt Lake Police Association accused Chief Brown of poor leadership, stating that officers could no longer guarantee the safety of the community. “Sometimes you can’t control who you work for,” said Sgt. Keith Horrocks in 2021, expressing frustration over the departure of numerous officers. The union’s sentiments were echoed by the community, as residents also voiced concerns about the department’s ability to protect and serve.
As the situation worsened, Chief Brown’s leadership faced additional challenges. A 2023 lawsuit involving the death of Ryan Outlaw, who was stabbed in an elevator and denied first aid by responding officers, further fueled criticism of the department. Despite the officers being trained in first aid, they refused to assist Outlaw, citing a lack of paramedic training. Outlaw died two hours after the initial 911 call. In response, Brown stood by the officers involved, claiming they had done as trained.
While Brown’s defenders claimed he was simply doing his best under difficult circumstances, many within the department were increasingly disillusioned with his leadership. Retired administrators and former colleagues described Brown as inconsistent, playing favorites, and slow to make crucial decisions, particularly regarding internal affairs. “I think the officers have lost faith in his leadership,” said retired Capt. Richard Lewis. “It might be time for a change.”
The political landscape also added pressure to Brown’s position. In 2023, former Mayor Rocky Anderson ran against current Mayor Erin Mendenhall, promising to fire Chief Brown if elected. Anderson garnered support from former SLCPD Chief Chris Burbank, who criticized Brown’s tenure and the handling of the department’s issues.
The state legislature also weighed in. In February 2024, lawmakers threatened to remove SLCPD officers from the Salt Lake City Airport, accusing the department of failing to uphold a law protecting concealed carry permit holders. Though the Legislature ultimately decided against replacing the department, they ordered a performance audit into SLCPD’s effectiveness, signaling growing discontent at the state level.
By the time Brown announced his resignation in early 2025, the department had been under intense scrutiny from all sides. Sources close to FOX 13 News revealed that state investigators had arrived at SLCPD headquarters just days before Brown made his decision public.
In his resignation statement, Chief Brown said his decision was motivated by a desire to spend more time with his family. Mayor Mendenhall, who had previously expressed support for Brown, stated that it was time for the city to move in a new direction. Neither Brown nor Mendenhall agreed to participate in interviews regarding the resignation.
Brown’s departure marks the end of a tumultuous chapter for Salt Lake City’s police department, one defined by internal strife, public dissatisfaction, and a deteriorating relationship between officers and leadership. With his resignation, the city now faces the challenge of rebuilding trust and finding a leader who can steer the department toward greater stability and effectiveness.