The Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake continues to manage specialized investigative resources to address public safety concerns within the Kearns community, utilizing dedicated units to handle complex criminal investigations and community-oriented policing efforts.
Kearns Precinct Operations
The Kearns Precinct, which serves a population of just over 36,000 residents across approximately 4.8 square miles, operates under the leadership of Precinct Chief Levi Hughes. The precinct maintains a structured patrol operation consisting of five sergeants, eighteen patrol officers, and one full-time traffic officer. To improve local safety and familiarity with the area, the precinct divides the community into five distinct patrol districts, allowing officers to take ownership of their assigned areas.
Patrol and Response
Patrol officers serve as the primary first responders to incidents within the community, dispatched via the Valley Emergency Communications Center (VECC). According to the Unified Police Department, these officers undergo extensive training in various skill sets and attend mandatory training throughout their careers to manage a wide range of incidents. These officers are considered the most visible representatives of the Kearns Precinct through proactive patrolling.
Community Policing Philosophy
The precinct maintains a heavy focus on community-oriented policing, a philosophy that uses partnerships and problem-solving techniques to address the conditions that lead to crime, social disorder, and fear of crime. To support this initiative, the Kearns Precinct dedicates one detective specifically to community-related issues. This detective works in coordination with community leaders, the Kearns Metro Township Council, and the Kearns Community Council.
Investigative Units
Specialized investigative resources are divided among several units within the precinct. The Kearns Investigations Unit is tasked with investigating property crimes, fraud, and all acts of domestic violence. Additionally, the Directed Enforcement Unit (DEU) conducts complex investigations aimed at supporting community safety. This unit focuses on targeting violent offenders and career criminals through surveillance, intelligence collection and analysis, the service of search warrants, and the execution of high-risk arrest warrants.
Specialized Crime Divisions
The precinct's investigative capabilities are further bolstered by the Unified Police Department's larger Investigations Unit, which contains more than fifty specialized detectives. This broader unit is responsible for investigating serious crimes against persons through several specialized divisions, including the Violent Crimes Unit, the Special Victims Unit, and the Cold Case Investigations unit. Other specialized divisions within this unit include the Mental Health Unit, the Forensic Investigations Unit, the Metro Gang Unit, the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit, and the Salt Lake Metro Narcotics Task Force, which works with the DEA.
School Safety and Resources
In addition to law enforcement and investigative roles, the precinct provides resources to local educational institutions. The Kearns area is served by two middle schools and one high school, which are patrolled by two full-time Student Resource Officers (SROs). These officers are tasked with maintaining school safety while building positive relationships and interacting with young adults in the community.
Precinct Information
The Kearns Precinct is located at 4250 West 5415 South. The precinct's business hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to Noon. The facility is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
