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102 arrested along Jordan River Trail in 30-day police operation

FILE — A photo of a car from the Salt Lake City Police Department. (Courtesy: SLCPD)

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — The Salt Lake City Police Department announced that 102 people were arrested in a 30-day “enforcement operation” along the Jordan River Trail.

Between Sept. 14 and Oct. 14, police made 48 felony arrests, 54 misdemeanor arrests, 183 traffic stops, and issued 64 citations. Police also “engaged with 1,073 people to conduct outreach or to further an investigation,” according to a Tuesday press release.

Officers seized weapons, drugs — including fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine — and drug paraphernalia during the operation.

“We are committed to disrupting criminal activity to protect our trails, open spaces and neighborhoods,” Chief Mike Brown said in the release.

Police said the goal of the 30-day operation was to increase law enforcement presence along North Temple and the Jordan River Trail. Officers patrol those areas daily “to disrupt criminal activity,” SLCPD said.

“We’ve increased our drug suppression and investigative efforts,” Brown said. “Our outreach to business owners and community members has been expanded, and we’re working closely with partner agencies to strengthen our approach.”

The police department’s Pioneer Patrol Division, Pioneer Bike Squad, Special Investigations Unit, K9 squad, and more participated in the operation.

“The work of our patrol officers, bike squads, and detectives deserves recognition,” Brown said. “Their efforts are having an impact not only in reducing crime and reducing drug trafficking, but also engaging with community members throughout our city.”

Officials are also focusing on “Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design” or CPTED. This method addresses “environmental factors that contribute to criminal behavior,” such as increasing lighting and removing vegetation or other objects that may block sightlines.

SLCPD’s Pioneer Patrol Division first began its increased enforcement along the trail in Oct. 2023. The police department recognized the Utah Department of Public Safety for its assistance.