Complaints prompt downtown crackdown

SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake police are cracking down on the city’s central business district, after receiving complaints about aggressive panhandling and other problems.

“We’re going to be citing people for jaywalking, public intoxication,” Salt Lake Police Sgt. Shawn Josephson said. “We’re going to be watching for those aggressive panhandlers and dealing with them in the ways that are appropriate — that could be anything from talking to them about their behavior to citing them or taking them to jail.”

The central business district is generally considered the area from 600 West to 300 East and from North Temple to 600 South.

One of the hot spots for complaints was near 200 S. Main, adding to the traditionally troubled areas of Pioneer Park and the area between 100 South and 200 South on State Street, Josephson said.

Reviews near 200 S. Main were mixed Monday. Some passers-by said they hadn’t noticed a lot of additional problems.

However, McKay Diamonds owner Joe Andrade said he’d seen numerous problems recently — including vagrants smashing windows and urinating on the public street.

“I’m happy because our customers — they walk on the sidewalk,” Andrade said. “If they don’t feel secure, they’re not going to come in my store and do their business.”

It was unclear just how much larger of a police presence could be expected, or at what times it would be increased.

Police are telling people in the area if they spot criminal or unruly activity to tell a nearby officer or call dispatchers, even if the activity isn't occurring exactly at that moment.

“This is not acceptable and we’re not just going to walk by and let that happen,” Josephson said.