Following recent national events regarding the use of force by police, Salt Lake City officials have addressed community concerns regarding systemic racism and police accountability. Mayor Menden and the Salt Lake City Council, alongside the Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD), stated they are united in a mission to preserve life and protect human rights through community-based policing.
The SLCPD has outlined specific use of force prohibitions, noting that department policy does not allow the use of knees to the head or neck as a restraint technique. Additionally, officers are prohibited from physically restraining an individual once compliance is established. When individuals are in custody and combative, policy requires officers to place them in a recovery position and monitor health concerns until transport can occur.
To ensure transparency, all use of force data is made available to the public via the department's website. Residents may file complaints regarding inappropriate use of force by calling 801-799-3351 or through an online form. These reports are subject to investigation by Internal Affairs and the Civilian Review Board, a group of residents appointed by the mayor.
The department utilizes several ongoing training programs designed to prevent bias and promote de-escalation. These include Fair and Impartial Policing, Blue Courage, Arbinger, Human Bias Training, and Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training for interacting with individuals experiencing mental health crises.
Accountability measures include a duty to intercede, which requires officers to prevent the use of unreasonable force by colleagues. The department also uses body-worn cameras, with footage from officer-involved critical incidents released within 10 business days. All such incidents undergo investigation by four separate bodies: an outside agency, internal affairs, the Civilian Review Board, and the District Attorney’s office.
As a proactive step, SLCPD Chief Mike Brown has requested that community leaders review and provide feedback on department training and restraint policies. The group will offer recommendations to the Chief, Mayor, and City Council regarding potential improvements. The city continues to engage with groups such as the Community Advocates Group (CAG) and the Community Advisory Board to maintain dialogue between the police department and Salt Lake City residents.
