Council Member Darin Mano is addressing serious crime concerns at Liberty Park by outlining current city initiatives and proposed strategies to improve public safety. The efforts aim to tackle ongoing issues in public spaces through staffing changes and new response programs.
To address staffing shortages within the Police Department, 911 Dispatch, and other emergency responders, the Council recently implemented salary increases, which in some instances exceeded 30 percent. Additionally, the Council has increased the number of social workers within the Police Department and added a new Medical Response Team to the Fire Department. The city has also repealed an outdated ordinance regarding the civil service commission to allow the SLCPD to hire qualified lateral officers.
Currently, the Police Department utilizes a bike squad dedicated to patrolling parks and urban trails, including Liberty Park, though they are frequently diverted to more pressing calls. To assist in targeting serious criminals, the city is coordinating with the US Attorney’s office and US Marshalls.
To further lower the crime rate, the Council established a $2 million holding account to fund a civilian response program designed to handle non-emergency, lower-priority calls. This program is intended to free up police officers for emergent and violent calls. Mano noted that the city needs to work toward seamless collaboration between 911 Dispatch, Police, Fire, social workers, and the new Civilian Response Team.
Other goals for the Council and Mayor’s Office include improving police recruiting so the Parks Bike Patrol can remain dedicated to parks, and increasing investments in parks and open spaces to deter crime naturally.
Mano is encouraging residents to report all observed crimes, regardless of perceived severity, to provide the Police Department with data for strategic deployment. Citizens are also encouraged to advocate for parks funding during upcoming bond resolution discussions and to encourage others to apply for careers within the SLCPD.
