Police Annual Report 2023

2023 Annual Report

South Jordan City

Police Department

2023 Message from the Chief

2023, was an exciting year. The police department continues to grow with the community to help ensure an appropiate level of service for residents. This year, the police department added two new K-9 officers and their dogs to the department. These handlers and their dogs are highly trained in both drug detection and apprehension work. We look forward to their important contributions to the safety of our community.

Additionally, we added several new officers to our department. These young officers will be here to serve the community for years to come. New officers go through an extensive hiring process that includes interviews, background, medical exam, drug screen, truth verification exam and psychological testing before receiving a final offer of employment. They then attend the state police academy for four months. After graduation from the police academy, the recruit returns to the department where they participate in field training with a Field Training Officer. It is quite an accomplishment for them to complete all their training. After this extensive process, they are released to independent patrol as a South Jordan Police Officer. The new officers help us service the community and in 2023, the South Jordan Police Department was involved in over 40,000 Calls for Service and other proactive police actions.

Jeff Carr Chief of Police

We saw a large number of promotions in the police department this year due to some retirements and other circumstances. We promoted a Deputy Chief, two (2) Lieutenants, four (4) Sergeants, a Support Services Supervisor, an Animal Services Supervisor, and a Victim Advocate Coordinator. We also saw several career ladder advancements including six (6) officers who advanced to Senior Officer and seven (7) Senior Officers who advanced to Master Officer. We are proud of all of them and their many accomplishments.

We introduced a new citizen survey using a QR Code. Officers handed out cards with the QR code to complainants and witnesses. The QR code is also available on our website: www.sjc.utah.gov. We hope those interacting with our officers provide honest feedback that will help us improve our service. The police department will do its best to ensure we are prepared to respond to the challenges that will surely come our way in 2024. We will work hard to develop our relationship with you, our residents, in the safety and protection of you and your family.

Lastly, looking forward to 2024, we hope to continue our engagement with our residents during a variety of public forums where we hope to meet you, answer questions, and create stronger partnerships. Our largest event is the National Night Out held on the first Tuesday in August. Come out and see us next year. The police department is lucky to have such an engaged and supportive community and we look forward to providing you the best in police services.

It is an honor and a pleasure to serve as your police chief and I hope if you have any questions or concerns, you will not hesitate to reach out.

Jeff Carr, Police Chief

South Jordan City

South Jordan was primarily a rural farming community when it became incorporated as a town in 1935. In 1960 the population was 1,354 and by 1970 the population had more than doubled to 2,942. Housing gradually started to replace farmland as the population once again more than doubled by 1980 to 7,492. Then in 1990 it nearly doubled again to 13,106. By the end of 2023, the population was 87,801. This type of growth brings many kinds of challenges and opportunities. South Jordan is committed to preserving the natural beauty of this area.

SJPD at a glance

Mission Statement

Provide professional police services through engaged community partnerships consistent with the values of South Jordan City.

Police Department Values

Character

Acting with Integrity, Fairness, and Compassion, Holding Ourselves Accountable for our Actions.

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Competence

Promoting Education and Training, Learning from Experiences, Using our Intelligence to Solve Problems, and Turning Knowledge into Wisdom.

Trust

Building Trust with Community and Each Other, Ensuring our Words Align with our Actions.

Transparency

Openness with the Community and Each Other, Understanding that our Authority Comes from the Public We Serve.

Organization Structure

South Jordan City

Police Department

The Office of the Chief includes the Police Chief, Deputy Police Chief, an Executive Assistant, and a Technical Services Specialist. Together we focus on the Mission, Vision, and Values of the organization and maintain responsibility for all financial management, policy management, legislative coordination, technology, internal affairs, human resources, and employee health and wellness.

2023 was a year of change for our organization; serveral people in our agency retired after many years of dedicated service. We want to thank those who served our community over the years and wish them well in their future endeavors. In 2023, our agency once again met the standards for accreditation through UCOPA. This accreditation is a progressive and time-proven way of helping law enforcment agencies calculate and

Police Administration

improve their performance. The foundation of accreditation lies in adopting standards containing a clear statement of professional objectives. Participating agencies conduct a thorough self-analysis to determine how existing operations can be adapted to meet these objectives. When the procedures are in place, a trained assessor team verifies that applicable standards have been successfully implemented. Accreditation status represents a significant professional achievement. Accreditation acknowledges the implementation of policies and procedures that are conceptually sound and operationally effective.

As we look ahead to 2024, the police department leadership team is focused on our continuing commitment to the delivery of responsible police service, as well as the training and development of our officers to ensure a safe, healthy, and vibrant South Jordan.

rob hansen deputy chief

South Jordan City

Police Department

special Services Division

The Special Services Division within the South Jordan Police Department consists of one Lieutenant, two Sergeants, and three Supervisors who are responsible for the following areas:

* Traffic Unit

* Training Unit

* School Resource Officer Unit

* Animal Services Unit

* Support Services Unit

* Community Outreach Unit

* Special Events

* Small Unmannded Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Unit

* Peer Support Unit

* Crossing Guard Unit

TRAFFIC UNIT

The Traffic Unit consists of a sergeant, two designated motor officers, and a dedicated officer to handle crashes within the City. These officers are also a part of the South Valley CRASH Team that is comprised of officers from South Jordan, Herriman, and Riverton Police Departments. They investigated approximately 10 major accidents during 2023.

MATT PENNINGTON Lieutenant

South Jordan City

Police Department

TRAining UNIT

The Training Unit is responsible for ensuring that all sworn officers annually receive the required state mandated hours. These hours are required to keep their certification as a Law Enforcement Officer Active. The Department conducts mandatory trainings in 40-hour blocks throughout the year and supplements additional trainings through online resources.

School Resource officers

The South Jordan Police Department has six full-time School Resource Officers. They are assigned the Bingham High School, Valley High School, South Jordan Middle School, Elk Ridge Middle School, and Mountain Creek Middle School. One additional officer splits his time between Rivers Edge School and being a liaison to the charter schools within the City. These officers handle a variety of calls and investigations within their schools and ensure a safe environment for everyone. In addition, the three officers assigned to the middle schools also teach D.A.R.E to the elementary students who filter into their schools, teaching nearly 1,100 kids in the D.A.R.E. model each year.

Support Services

The Support Services Unit oversees the reporting of NIBRS data for crime stats to the State and FBI as well as retention and dissemination of police department records. The department had over 40,300 calls for service during 2023, 50% of which typically require some type of case report.

SUPPORT SERVICES Statistics for 2023

Background Investigation Checks: 74

Disseminated Records (GRAMA Requests to include multiple incident reports): 3,775

GRAMA Requests: 3,154

Expungements: 542

Fingerprints: 397

Right of Access - Utah Criminal History: 176

animal services UNIT

The South Jordan Animal Services Unit is an essential and important service to the community and a resource for the citizens of South Jordan. Animal Service Officers are responsible for public health and welfare while enforcing humane animal treatment under the guidelines provided by South Jordan City ordinances as well as county, state and federal regulations. It is our mission to provide care, control and resolution to situations dealing with domestic animals and various types of wildlife as well as educate the public about responsible animal care and pet ownership. In 2023, Animal Services responded to 1,765 calls for service. Fun fact: they saved nearly 270 ducklings from storm drains.

Peer support unit

The Peer Support Team is a team of officers who are available to offer assistance to members of the department and their families for any event or situation where support would likely provide a benefit. Typically, these resources are utilized by officers and families who are experiencing stresses related to the officer’s role as a police officer.

SMALL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS (suas) uNIT

The sUAS has four pilots who are responsible for opporating several drones. These drones are primarly used for major accident investigations and are searches, but can also be used for surveillance and clearing of buildings.

Services Division

CROSSING GUARDS

The Special Services Division oversees the department’s crossing guard program that consists of 43 employees, 37 full-time and 6 substitutes - that cover 28 school crossings within the city.

SPECIAL EVENTS

The Special Services Division oversees and participates in the planning of special events within the city. These events within the city. These events included the SoJo Race Series, Summerfest, Light the Night, and a variety of other commmunity activities.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

A team of officers working an ancillary assignment makes up the Community Outreach Unit. They are assigned to community outreach and help oversees all community related events, which range from neighborhood watch programs to public safety campaigns. support services

The Support Services Unit oversees the reporting of NIBRS data for crime stats to the State and FBI as well as retention and dissemination of police department records. The department had over 40,300 calls for service during 2023, 50% of which typically requires some type of case report.

South Jordan City

INVESTIGATIONS Division

The Investigations Division within the South Jordan Police Department consists of one Division Commander, two Sergeants and eight Detectives who are responsible for the following areas:

• Investigations Unit

• Victim Services Unit

• Property and Evidence Unit

Police Department

CASE WINDER Lieutenant

Investigations Division

Investigations Unit

The South Jordan Investigations Division is made up of specialized units to include general investigators, crime scene and forensics personnel, evidence custodians and victim advocates. The division primarily works persons and property crimes within South Jordan but also collaborates with other state and local agencies in joint investigations. Each detective has scheduled working hours and is additionally assigned an “on call” status many times throughout the year. Detectives must be able to respond at any time to any incident needing investigative support. In addition, detectives conduct regular checks on sexual offenders/predators to make sure that they are in compliance with state and local requirements, and serve as Task Force Officers with Homeland Security, Internet Crimes Against Children, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and Violent Crimes.

VICTIM SERVICES Unit

The Victim Services Unit consists of two full-time advocates who were able to provide services to approximately 300 victims in 2023. Our advocates review incidents to determine resources to help people who have been impacted by crime or those individuals who could benefit from services or help in recovery. Advocates play a critical role in working with law enforcement to ensure that each victim is provided help in navigating the legal system as well as meeting the needs of those people who are effected by violence or crime. We congratulate Kylee Cornwall on her promotion to Victim Services Supervisor in 2023 after six years of service as victim advocate.

PROPERTY AND EVIDENCE UNIT

The Property and Evidence Unit is responsible for the management of all 21,186 physical items seized or held by the Police Department. Two full time employees intake items, manage forensic analysis of evidence, research items for release, and conduct routine audits. They also serve as Crime Scene Investigators, working alongside detectives to process and seize evidence at crime scenes. Roughly, 3,252 items were released from evidence in 2023.

TECHNICAL SERVICES SPECIALIST

Marissa Hayes works in the office of the Police Chief. She provides multiple services including Quartermaster responsiblities, Technical support, Body Camera Redactions, Armour, and Police Department Fleet.

South Jordan City

Police Department

The Patrol Unit is the backbone of the Police Department. It is comprised of four sergeants and 32 officers. They are the officers seen wearing the classic police-blue uniform and driving black and white patrol cars while responding to the calls for service generated by our citizens 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. While responding to calls for service and proactiviely patrolling the city in an effort to maintain our vision of a safe community, they handled a total of 40,363 police indicents generated in 2023!

NEWLY PROMOTED PATROL DIVISION COMMANDERS:

PATROL DIVISION

Our K9 Unit is comprised of two officers and their furry companions. This year, our single purpose K9, Timber, retired. Timber was a valued member of the police department and was responsible for taking hundreds of pounds of illegal substances off of the streets of South Jordan during his career. The unit now has one dual certified Malinois (Oli) and a second soon-to-be dual purpose German Shepherd (Ikon).

These dogs can routinely be seen training for the detection of illegal substances and for the apprehension of our most dangerous criminals!

nathan thompson

Lieutenant

MATT ADAMS Lieutenant

South Jordan City

Police Department

Thank you Pam and Shar for the many years of service you provided for our department. We will forever be grateful. Please excuse the poor lighting in this picture.

Pam Rasmussen 11-07-1992 - 01-31-2023

Shar Hoffman 12-09-1997 - 01-31-2023

South Jordan City

Police Department

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CITATION

The Distinguished Service Citation is awarded to an individual who during the course of a project, investigation, or assignment performs meritorious service leading to the success of a difficult assignment or project.

AWARDED: Sergeant Brett Talbot, and Master Officer and OIC Wayne Henderson. Sgt. Talbot and Officer Henderson have been assigned to our K9 unit for the past several years. Sgt. Talbot running with his furry companion, Timber, and Officer Henderson with Malek. During their service in the K9 unit, they were responsible for aiding in the recovery of hundreds of pounds of illegal narcotics and numerous arrests.

Therefore, in recognition of their commitment to the South Jordan Police Department’s K9 Program, we would like to recognize them with the Distinguished Service Citation.

annual award banquet

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CITATION

AWARDED: Officer Brady Thorne

Officer Thorne is assigned to the Patrol Division. While working in Patrol he encountered a situation involving a suspect, unknown to him at the time that had committed an attempted robbery and criminal mischief, but he knew something had occured and he confronted the suspect and it quickly turned into a dangerous situation with him fighting the suspect on the hood of a car as the suspects accomplice tried to drive off with him still on the vehicle. Through his quick actions, he was able to get the suspect safetly into custody and later track down the accomplice.

Therefore, in recognition of your action taken on November 18, 2023, we would like to recognize you with a Distinguished Service Citation.

South Jordan City

Police Department

officer’s cross

annual award banquet

The Officers Cross is awarded to employees who distinguishes themselves in the course of their duties by performing an act of great courage.

AWARDED: OFFICERS WAYNE HENDERSON, JEN ROSSE AND COLTON WEEKS

These officers were involved in a rapidly escalating, volative situation, while working Patrol. They engaged in a pursuit of a dangerous individual who was wanted by another agency. During the pursuit, the suspect bailed from their vehicle and fled on foot with a gun in his hand, as another agency’s K9 and these officers were in pursuit. The suspect turned and started firing his gun in their direction, hitting and killing the K9. These officers took immediate action and stopped the threat. The suspect was posing to themselves and other officers coming into the area. Therefore, in recognition of the actions taken on February 17, 2023, we would like to recognize them with the Officer’s Cross Medal.

supervisor of the year

The Supervisor of the Year is an award we have brought back and is significant since the nomination comes from the staff the supervisor works with.

While serving in the Patrol Divison as a Patrol Sergeant, Sergeant Kaer received numerous nominations from his subordinates for his active and consistent demonstration of leadership. Sergeant Kaer has grown tremendously as a supervisor and is consistently looking to better those who work for him and the organization as a whole. Therefore, we would like to recognize Sergeant Travis Kaer with the Supervisor of the Year Award. In recognition of your exemplary display of leadership in the Patrol Division and your committment to the mission of the South Jordan Police Department. There is no greater honor than to have those you supervise compliment your leadership.

ANNUAL AWARD BANQUET

CHIEF’S AWARDS

AWARDED: Sarah Schaaf.

Sarah works as the Investgation Unit’s Administrative Assistant and is tasked with a wide variety of things. She does all of these things with a postivie attitude and is always a pleasure to work with. Therefore, we would like to recognize her with a Chief’s Award.

South Jordan City

Police Department

CHIEF’S AWARDS

AWARDED: FTO TRAINING TEAM - LT. MATT ADAMS, SGT. TRAVIS KAER, OFFICERS PAUL HOUSTON, DAN PETERSON, MARK SQUIRE, GARRETT WILLIAMS, COLTON WEEKS, JESSE HOOPER, AND CALEB WILSON. OFFICERS JEFF PETERSEN, ZACK COY AND TIM JENKINS WERE UNABLE TO ATTEND THE EVENT, BUT WE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO RECGONIZE THEM AS PART OF THIS GROUP.

In 2023, these officers had a hand in training nearly all o four officers during a revamp of the way the department conducts its annual training. Under the direction of Sgt. Gee, who nominated these officers for this award, these officers did an outstanding job and stepped up to the task of training the department. Therefore, we would like to recognize all of them with a Chief’s Award. In recognition of your contributions to the department’s training program as instructors, your willingness to help train officers has helped make the South Jordan Police Department a great place to work and ensured that all officers received a high level of important and relevant training in 2023.

annual award banquet

AWARDED: OFFICER PRESTON THOMAS

Officer Thomas was assigned as an SRO at Valley High School during 2023. During that time, he was tasked on numerous occasions to cover other schools due to circumstances pulling the assigned SRO away. In addition, he had an instrumental part in a large-scale criminal mischief case at Bingham High School that resulted in the arrest of 37 individuals found responsible for nearly $20,000 in damages.

Therefore, we would like to recognize you with a Chief’s Award. In recognition of your outstanding work ethic, positive attitude, and willingness to help your unit and the department as a School Resource Officer.

Also, Officer Jeffrey Petersen was unable to attend the event, but he was the assigned SRO at Bingham High School during the investigation mention and he was also recognized with a Chief’s Award for a job well done.

annual award banquet

CITIZEN’S MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL

The Citizen’s Meritorious Service Medal is awarded to citizens who, at great risk to their personal safety, OR who at great sacrifice of time and eneregies, perform outstanding service to the police department and community of South Jordan.

For the past several years, Greg Hughes, has served as a valuable member of the department’s Community Advisory Board - who are tasked with helping give insight into the community’s view on certain department related issues and incidents. His perspective is important as a resident and member of the community. His input helps us communicate more clearly with the residents. Greg is ending his service on the Community Advisory Board and we appreciate his service.

South Jordan resident, Laurie Payne, was also a long serving member of the Community Advisory Board and has completed her service to the board as well. Laurie was out of town and unable to join us during the banquet. Greg and Laurie were original members of the Community Advisory Board and we appreciate their many years of service.

Community Advisory Board

The Community Advisory Board meets with the Police Chief, Jeff Carr, on a quarterly basis. At this meeting; ideas are shared, surveys are reviewed, concerns are addressed; and suggestions are noted and if possible implemented. This Board is a great asset to our city as they serve as liaisons between individuals of the city and the Police Department. Their time and efforts are greatly appreciated. Back Row; Police Chief Jeff Carr, Kip Day, Greg Hughes, Justin Petersen, Laurel Bevans.

Front Row: Adrianne Jones and Laurie Payne.

Members are as follows: (left to right) Front Row: Laurie Payne, Paula Beaste, Mark Smith, Lance Everill. Back Row: Deputy Chief Jason Knight, Justin Petersen, Greg Hughes, Tim Stapleton and Chief Jeff Carr.

AUXILIARY - SPOUSES - GET TOGETHER

BACK ROW: Chief Carr, Ann Carr, Ashley Ugaitafa, Teilani Palmer, Mya Lavoie, Sarah Williams, Ashley Henderson, Merilee Coons and Jessica Weeks.

FRONT ROW: Eliza Mullenaux, Jerika Talbot, Shawn Elliott, Charlie Nagle, Cera Nagle, and Gabi Thorpe.