RIVERTON, Utah, Oct. 24, 2018 (Gephardt Daily) — Riverton City will begin the process of forming its own police department, following more than three months of debate and negotiations, it was decided in the City Council’s Tuesday meeting.
The council submitted notice of the city’s intent to withdraw from the Unified Police Department on July 19, a news release from Riverton City said.
Since that time, city leaders have been negotiating with UPD to resolve concerns about financial management and governance of the organization, the statement said. Ultimately, most of the concerns weren’t addressed to the satisfaction of a majority of Riverton’s council members.
“We are excited to begin the process of forming the Riverton Police Department,” Mayor Trent Staggs said in the prepared statement.
“The first step for us will be to hire a chief of police that can guide us as we begin the formation of the department. The City Council has directed city staff to take steps to begin that search and hiring process.”
City officials hope to have a chief of police in place by Jan. 1, 2019. The chief will then guide the formation of a new police department and will provide recommendations to the city council on staffing levels.
According to the city’s financial analysis, the city could have up to 38 officers and five civilian employees without paying more than what it currently pays to UPD for law enforcement service for 28 to 30 officers in the city.
“The decision to form our own police department has been a difficult one for us,” said Councilman Sheldon Stewart. “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.”
Officials anticipate that following the hiring of a chief of police, other officer and civilian hires will take place between January and June 2019 to ensure the department is fully staffed to take over operations from UPD at some point in July 2019.
“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 cost in setting up a department will be very reasonable compared to what it would be from starting from scratch, the news release said, as the city already owns the UPD precinct building next to city hall and is entitled to the share of existing assets, such as cars, equipment and fund balance at UPD that have been invested by Riverton taxpayers since the organization was formed.
