I recognize the good work of our police organizations across the state. However there is much work to be done for anti-discriminatory actions, de-escalation, mental health programs, offloading community response from police to organizations that can be funded better to provide trained support, availability of services for homeless, and Medicaid offerings in Utah.
- Help police agencies maintain their civil service of deterring crime, but:
- Maintain rigorous integrity for officers and administration that includes periodic background checks, independent 3rd party investigation for internal audits and complaints, and de-certification of police personnel who violate their oath.
- Expand community training in police programs that focus on internal bias, mental health, de-escalation, and availability of community services.
- Build partnerships and funding for community support services that change first response for domestic and mental health issues. Representative Stoddard and I agree on this, see: H.B. 29 – Mental Health Support and Law Enforcement Co-Response
See also: Response: BLM Utah Chapter – Police Transparency & Accountability Survey