Study backs city-run force

"They don't specialize in anything. You can be a jack of all trades, but are you really getting the best that's out there?" Cropper said. "I just think there's so many more resources that we get with the sheriff's office that we're not looking at. ... I don't believe for one minute that self-providing will be better for us as citizens."

Joe Crilly, a resident for 17 years, agreed. He said getting a city department means officers will be hired from different departments.

If a self-providing model is used, the city would sign interlocal agreements with surrounding police forces, like Murray, Sandy and even the county, so regional help would be provided during a major event.

Other council members were not as sold on the idea.

"This is very appealing, the local control issues. But there's a dichotomy in police services," Councilman Scott Bracken said, noting some areas are better served by local control and others by larger departments.

Bracken also said that the city has achieved a feel of community policing now since the city has a great relationship with their officers.

After Winder's presentation Tuesday, the city then has 30-45 days to vote whether or not it wants its own department. A city force could be created by July 2008.

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