Saratoga Springs may get own police

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The streets of Saratoga Springs may soon be patrolled by the city's own police force.

City officials recently reviewed a feasibility report that placed the likelihood of starting a small police department on the city's radar for the near future, perhaps as soon as next year.

"From the very outset of the incorporation of the city, it's always been a topic of discussion of when we would be able to have our own police department," said Saratoga Springs Mayor Timothy Parker. "Every year, at budget time, we talk about (it)."

The city has a contract with the Utah County Sheriff's Office that covers Saratoga Springs' 21 square miles. The contract is due to be renewed next summer, Parker said.

To figure out if the city is big enough to justify having its own police force, staff members asked the advice of Gary Whatcott, deputy city manager of South Jordan. According to recent U.S. Census Bureau reports, Saratoga Springs' population in 2005 was estimated at 6,502.

Whatcott said the size of Saratoga Springs is comparable to the size of South Jordan 16 years ago, when it formed its own police department.

"I think the numbers are close enough to see that it's close, and see that this is a good place to start," Whatcott said.

Whatcott recommended that city officials should begin looking for a police chief this winter, if the city wants to begin forming its own department by next June.

Because Saratoga Springs is small, Whatcott suggested the city start with a small force and build from there as needed.

"The smaller you are, the less risk (for crime) there is," Whatcott told City Council members at a recent meeting. "As you grow, the percent of crime rate will increase, but you'll grow into what you need."

According to Whatcott's estimates, the up-front cost of starting a small police force with 12 personnel is $280,344. The annual cost of running the police department, with materials, fleet equipment and office supplies included, is estimated at $1,280,531.

Whatcott said the costs are flexible, however.

"My perspective on it is we probably could do it if we wanted to," Parker said. "The decision needs to be based on the money but also on the depth of service we could get with our own department as compared with the sheriff's department."

Parker said he is happy with the service the city gets from the sheriff's department, but there would be an advantage to having complete control of the city's police force.

In addition to being able to control the department, some city council members said having the same local officers in the area could strengthen residents' appreciation and trust of the police.

"I believe we're ready to move in this direction," said City Council member Mia Love. "One of the important things is having a relationship with your law enforcement officials."

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