Exclusive: SLCPD ‘making progress’ in public safety along Jordan River Trail after closure

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — The Salt Lake City Police Department is reporting they are “making progress” in providing better public safety along the Jordan River Trail after it was closed late last month.

According to SLCPD, an operation was launched on April 3 that was “aimed at disrupting criminal activity and supporting the city’s broader restoration and revitalization work.” Since this operation was launched, SLCPD is reporting that they have made 33 felony arrests, 49 misdemeanor arrests, and have made 45 citations for drug paraphernalia and other trespassing offenses.

The operation has centered around SLCPD’s use of foot and bike patrols, which are apart of the Community Impact Division of SLCPD, and are meant to help with community outreach.

The force has also been leading efforts to clean up the trail, using partnerships with Salt Lake City’s Public Lands’ Park Rangers, and private partnerships with Advantage Services to “restore cleanliness” to the public areas.

“The Salt Lake City Police Department is coordinating long-term planning for public safety with the Mayor’s Office,” a statement given exclusively to ABC4.com reads. “Other city departments, and state agencies to include the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Natural Resources. We thank them for their contributions and partnership.”

The closure comes after Salt Lake City closed a portion of the Jordan River Trail from Cottonwood Park and 700 North to revitalize existing facilities and improve safety for residents along the trail. The trail has been a long thorn in the city’s side due to crime that occurs in the area.

With the recent operation, SLCPD has reported that they have seen a “significant drop” in drug paraphernalia and garbage found along the trail. They also reported an uptick of people visiting the parks along the trail.

“We are committed to restoring the Jordan River Trail as a safe and welcoming public space,” Brian Redd, chief of SLCPD, said within the statement. “Through our strategic enforcement and close collaboration with city partners and mental health professionals, we are disrupting crime and addressing safety and livability concerns. These early results reflect the hard work and dedication of our officers, detectives, and the city’s Park Rangers. The positive feedback from trail users confirms we’re making an impact.”

Along with sharing crime statistics, SLCPD also shared highlights with ABC4.com of recent cases that are being prosecuted as a result of their operation. These include:

• A man illegally camping on the trail at 1060 South 900 West who provided false information to officers, and was later arrested on active felony drug warrants.
• SLCPD found an abandoned camp with two tents and a large amount of property near 1700 North. Advantage Services responded to clean the site.
• SLCPD stopped a group blocking the sidewalk at North Temple and 800 West. One person was found hiding nearly 200 suspected blue M30 fentanyl pills and was booked on felony drug distribution charges.
• SLCPD found an occupied stolen car on North Temple Street. In total, officers detained nine juveniles. Three of them were listed as missing. SLCPD booked one of the juveniles into the juvenile detention center on felony-related charges. The remaining were returned to their parents or guardians, and
• A woman with felony warrants attempted to get away using her bicycle. After a brief bike pursuit, officers arrested her.

SLCPD provided this body cam of the pursuit.

Beginning next week, SLCPD is reporting that they will expand their “enhanced patrols” along the trail and to Liberty Park. These will include maintaining frequent foot and bike patrols.

SLCPD also asked that the public to get involved in the ongoing efforts around the trail by reporting non-emergency concerns to 801-799-3000, and 9-1-1 for emergencies.

“As we restore these areas, we will look to the city and our neighbors to help activate these public spaces. These improvements will take time, but with a steady focus and strong collaboration we will get there,” Redd stated.

Jordan Tracey contributed to this reporting