Rich Ferguson has served as the Draper Police Chief for a period of two and a half years, according to an undated report by the Draper Journal. In that role, Ferguson has focused on developing personnel from within the department, stating that it is critical for any organization to develop the people within to take on bigger roles and move up. According to the same undated report, Ferguson has overseen the promotion of Pat Evans to the position of captain, a role that makes Evans second in command to the chief in Ferguson's absence. This promotion of Evans, who has been a member of the Draper Police Department for 21 years, was described by Ferguson as part of a ripple effect of advancements within the department.
As the leader of the department, Ferguson has expressed a commitment to the community, noting that it is a pleasure to serve in a community that values its police. According to the undated police department website, Ferguson's mission for the department is to provide the highest quality of law enforcement to everyone in Draper by listening, caring, supporting, and working with members of the community. The department's vision, as stated by Ferguson on the undated website, is to be the most creative, productive, and responsive police department in the State of Utah.
According to the undated Draper Journal article, Ferguson has noted that the department is fully staffed despite challenges with recruitment. He attributed this to a strong desire for individuals to work as police officers in Draper due to the support provided by the community, the mayor, and the council. Ferguson has also emphasized the importance of the partnership shared with the community to keep the quality of life high in Draper.
In addition to managing department personnel, Ferguson has overseen the department's response to the city's recent tax rate increase, which was intended to provide funds for public safety. According to the undated Draper Journal report, this funding has helped the police department in many ways. As the community continues to grow, Ferguson stated that the department is laying the foundation to remain one of the finest departments in the state.
Ferguson's leadership includes managing a department that includes various divisions and roles. For example, according to the undated Draper Journal, his department includes a patrol division, which is the largest division within the department. The department also handles records, reports for prosecution, and GRAMA requests. Through the promotion of internal staff, such as Evans, Ferguson has worked to ensure that the department maintains internal knowledge of operations that are unique to Draper.
What this means for Draper
For Draper residents, Ferguson's leadership focuses on building a strong, professional police force by promoting experienced officers from within. His emphasis on community partnership and internal development aims to maintain a high quality of life and ensure the department remains one of the most responsive in the state as the community continues to grow.
