Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall confirmed on Friday that the resignation of Police Chief Mike Brown was not his choice but rather a decision made by her administration.
Chief Brown, who has led the Salt Lake City Police Department since 2015, announced on Wednesday that he would be stepping down from his position, with his final day set for February 28, 2025. Following his resignation, Brown said he intends to retire.
Mayor Cites Need for Change Amid Growing Challenges
Speaking to reporters at the Utah State Capitol, Mayor Mendenhall acknowledged Chief Brown’s efforts in managing rising crime rates and staffing shortages but emphasized that broader statewide challenges necessitated a leadership transition.
“Our city has seen a 16-year low in overall crime, and Chief Brown has responded well to the difficulties of reduced staffing,” Mendenhall said. “However, the relationships surrounding statewide issues aren’t as strong as they need to be. This is something I’ve discussed with state officials for years, and now is the right time for a transition.”
One of the key concerns Mendenhall highlighted was the increasing presence of cartel-related drug activity and homelessness issues, which she said require greater coordination between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
Shifting Priorities for Public Safety
Mendenhall pointed to the city’s public safety plan, introduced on January 16, as an example of the city’s commitment to strengthening its partnerships with the Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) and other law enforcement agencies.
“We need to expand and improve our partnerships, and that includes ensuring our police leadership can foster strong relationships,” Mendenhall stated. “This is not a problem unique to Utah, but it has made it clear that a change in leadership is necessary.”
What’s Next for Salt Lake City’s Police Department?
As the city searches for its next Chief of Police, Mendenhall emphasized that the new leader must prioritize public safety, community engagement, and transparency.
“Our city has become more data-driven than ever before. I regularly review crime reports and expect transparency in how we communicate with the public,” she said. “The next chief must be committed to accountability and making policing policies clearer for the community.”
Mendenhall also underscored the importance of listening to residents and adapting policies based on their concerns.
“You’ve seen significant changes in our police department over the last five years. Chief Brown was great at engaging with the public and considering how those voices influenced department policy,” she noted. “Moving forward, we need stronger relationships across all levels of law enforcement, and that’s my priority.”
Looking Ahead
The city has yet to announce a replacement for Chief Brown, but Mendenhall assured that the selection process would focus on finding a leader who can navigate the evolving challenges of law enforcement while fostering trust with both the community and government agencies.
