SALT LAKE CITY – Mayor Erin Mendenhall has confirmed that she made the call to remove Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown, stating it was her decision to seek new leadership within the department.
Speaking with reporters after an event regarding the 2034 Winter Games, Mendenhall addressed the resignation announcement that came earlier this week. When asked if Brown was forced to step down, she responded directly:
“Yes. This was my decision.”
A Department in Transition
Mendenhall acknowledged the progress made under Brown’s leadership, crediting him with helping the department recover from staffing shortages and a rise in crime during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Chief Brown and his team turned things around. Crime is at its lowest level in 16 years, and the department is nearly at full strength,” she said.
However, despite these achievements, Mendenhall said it was time for a leadership change.
Challenges in Coordination with State Agencies
One of the key reasons behind the decision was the department’s difficulty in working with other agencies, particularly on issues like homelessness and cartel-related drug crime.
“We’re at a turning point in how these challenges impact Salt Lake City and Utah as a whole,” she explained.
Mendenhall emphasized the need for stronger collaboration with the Utah Department of Public Safety and other state entities, noting that strained relationships had hindered progress.
“We need a police department that can effectively coordinate across agencies, and that was not happening at the level we require.”
Legislative Push for Change
The Utah Legislature has introduced HB465, a bill that would tie homeless mitigation funding to cooperation between cities and the state. Lawmakers, including Rep. Casey Snider, R-Paradise, have voiced frustration over Salt Lake City’s handling of crime and homelessness.
“No one can look at Salt Lake City today and honestly say it’s in better shape than it was 5, 10, or 15 years ago,” Snider stated.
While Mendenhall acknowledged that political pressure played a role in the discussion, she insisted that Brown’s resignation was not a direct result of legislative action but rather a reflection of the city’s need for better coordination with the state.
What’s Next for Salt Lake City’s Police Department?
As the city searches for a new police chief, Mendenhall stressed the importance of transparency, accountability, and strong relationships with other law enforcement agencies.
“We need a leader who can build trust, both within the department and with our partners across the state,” she said.
No immediate replacement has been named, and Salt Lake City officials will begin the search for new leadership in the coming weeks.
