Unified police force is still a possibility

The idea of a Unified Police District (UPD) is not dead, at least in the eyes of several cities which currently contract with the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office.

Earlier this year, it appeared as though the idea of a county-wide police force was abandoned after mayors voted to postpone its creation.

But during Tuesday's monthly UPD organizing committee meeting, there was lively and passionate debate on the future of a unified district from representatives of the cities, Salt Lake County Council and Sheriff-elect Jim Winder who sat at the board's table for the first time.

"I'm strongly in favor of moving forward with UPD," said Holladay Mayor Dennis Webb. "If you don't do something like UPD there will always be the pressure to self-provide."

Winder pleaded with the cities not to make any big decisions until he officially takes office in January and has a chance to present his ideas for changes.

"Give me direction and you'll see progress. I don't see my role as pushing one or the other," he told the group. "Give me 30 to 60 days from my swearing-in to make concrete first step initiatives."

The board decided Tuesday to draw up a job description for hiring someone who will be able to address and research questions about UPD on a day-to-day basis, rather than the current monthly meeting system.

Before the meeting began, outgoing Sheriff Aaron Kennard — a big supporter of a unified police district — addressed the UPD organizing committee. Kennard was defeated by Winder in the November election.

"I'm a little disappointed at where we've ended up. I'm not sure where the sheriff-elect is headed with this," he said. "I think (UPD) is the right thing to do for county residents."

Kennard then "turned the gavel" over to Winder, said goodbye to the board and left the room.

Winder later responded to Kennard's comments, saying it was wrong for anyone to assume what his plans are.

"I think we have not taken the time to find out what I am and not in favor of," he said.

Winder said what was really at issue for the cities was control. Currently, he said the debate whether to go to a UPD or stay with the sheriff's office had reached a point of going nowhere.

"I feel we are deadlocked," he said. "Somewhere between these two lies the truth."