Riverton City to leave UPD, form new police department
Oct 24, 2018 09:53AM ● By Jana Klopsch
Riverton City has announced its intent to move forward with plans to break away from the Unified Police Department and form its own department, according to a city press release.
The decision was made by the Riverton City Council during its October 23 meeting, though they have been discussing the issue since this summer. The neighboring city of Herriman also made the same decision earlier this year and have already implemented its own police department.
The first step for Riverton will be finding a police chief, which they hope to do by January. The chief "will then guide the formation of a new police department and will provide recommendations to the city council on staffing levels," per the city's press release.
For the same price that the city currently pays UPD to have 28-30 officers, the new department will be able to permanently employ up to 38 officers and 5 civilian positions, according to the city's financial analysis.
“Ultimately, the decision was made based on what direction could provide the best level of service in our city at the best cost. The move to create our own police department allows more Riverton taxpayer dollars to be invested in law enforcement service right here in our own community,” said Councilman Sheldon Stewart.
“We appreciate the service of the UPD officers who have served our community so well for many years,” said Councilwoman Tawnee McCay. “We hope to see many of those who serve here currently, whether as officers or as crossing guards, apply for positions in the new Riverton Police Department when that time comes.”
The decision was made by the Riverton City Council during its October 23 meeting, though they have been discussing the issue since this summer. The neighboring city of Herriman also made the same decision earlier this year and have already implemented its own police department.
The first step for Riverton will be finding a police chief, which they hope to do by January. The chief "will then guide the formation of a new police department and will provide recommendations to the city council on staffing levels," per the city's press release.
For the same price that the city currently pays UPD to have 28-30 officers, the new department will be able to permanently employ up to 38 officers and 5 civilian positions, according to the city's financial analysis.
“Ultimately, the decision was made based on what direction could provide the best level of service in our city at the best cost. The move to create our own police department allows more Riverton taxpayer dollars to be invested in law enforcement service right here in our own community,” said Councilman Sheldon Stewart.
“We appreciate the service of the UPD officers who have served our community so well for many years,” said Councilwoman Tawnee McCay. “We hope to see many of those who serve here currently, whether as officers or as crossing guards, apply for positions in the new Riverton Police Department when that time comes.”
