I stand here with a heavy heart and a determined mind. 

Salt Lake City government will not sit and wait to see what we can improve.

I am not afraid–even when the reality of our actions may bring heartbreak and disappointment to the good people of this department, SLC Corporation and the public.

We will not tolerate abuse of power that harms the people we serve and harms the reputations of the good officers who are dedicated to serving in a fair, accountable and transparent manner.

That is why we are standing before you today. 

Our City’s referral for investigation of 18 K9 cases from the past two years represents our concern that what has gone on in the recent history of our police department’s K9 Apprehension Program is a pattern of abuse of power.  

We are going to do what is right, what is just, and we are going to be open and transparent as we go about this work. 

I truly believe that sunshine is the best disinfectant.  And we are here to shine that light on this stain on our department.

Chief Brown’s actions to proactively conduct this audit and turn over these cases to the DA’s office shows the kind of leadership this department needs. That initiative is also reflective of our intent, not only to correct that abuse of power, but also to ensure it does not happen again. 

As Chief Brown said, the cases we are transmitting to the District Attorney’s office for criminal investigation will also be reviewed by the Civilian Review Board, and the internal affairs department. 

The Department’s K9 apprehension program is suspended indefinitely. As much as a swift and permanent termination of the program may seem necessary, I am not willing to make such a decision without the information we need to know if such an action may, actually, result in unintended consequences that are contrary to our work of improving the outcomes of policing for our residents and our officers. 

We are actively researching K9 programs in other communities across the country and will make a determination at a later date on the viability of a reformed K9 apprehension program for SLC.

The officers responsible in these cases are on leave while this matter is pending, and I am committed to ensuring that this is investigated as quickly and thoroughly as possible. Victims in these cases should contact the District Attorney’s office.

I am working hand in hand with the City Council on their commitment to codify transparency and accountability in all critical use of force incidents, to use our city’s legislative and administrative tools to eliminate the culture that accepted behavior such as this, and to promote trusted, accountable law enforcement.  

I know that our police department has many officers who are committed to serving and protecting everyone in this City humanely and equitably under the law. At the same time, if we are to achieve a police department that is always transparent, accountable, and fair, we must be willing–and we are–to see where we have done harm, fix it, and ensure it never happens again. None of us should be afraid to build to do a better job.

The culture of abusive use of K9 force in the Salt Lake City police department ends now.  And, through the policy changes we put into place on September 5th, I am confident that no use of force will ever go unreported up the appropriate chain of command again.  

The culture of an organization is shaped by the worst behavior a leader is willing to tolerate. 

We are here to tell you that this culture ends here and now. We are better than this, our residents deserve better, and I know that the many officers of SLCPD who are committed to truly serving and protecting, will agree.  We will work tirelessly to rebuild your trust, Salt Lake City, and will never tolerate such abuse of power again.