Today’s release of body-worn camera footage of 19 cases from the last four years of the Salt Lake City Police Department’s K9 Apprehension Program is an important step in our commitment to the people of Salt Lake City for transparency and accountability.

This footage is upsetting, but its release and the investigation of these cases by the District Attorney’s Office, the Civilian Review Board, and Internal Affairs is critical to our vision for a police department that is always transparent, accountable, and fair. Anything less than that is an insult to our residents and the many fine officers who are committed to serving and protecting our City. 

As I have said before, we must be willing to evaluate our processes, see where we have done harm, fix it, and ensure it never happens again. Today’s release is integral to that process.