Riverton Police Department details progress of new special enforcement team

The Riverton City Council convened on May 20, 2025, to discuss various pressing issues, primarily focusing on public safety and law enforcement efforts in the community. The meeting began with a report from the Chief of Police regarding the newly implemented special enforcement team, which has been operational since November 2024.

The Chief highlighted significant progress made by Detective Grohl, who has been assigned 27 cases related to violent fugitives, fraud, drug activity, theft, and weapon offenses. Notably, the team has made 64 arrests, with 12 occurring within Riverton. The Chief emphasized the importance of additional staffing to support ongoing investigations and enhance officer safety, particularly for Detective Grohl, who is actively working on high-risk cases.

Council members expressed their appreciation for the proactive measures taken by the police department in response to rising crime trends, particularly vehicle burglaries. The Chief noted that the department has been focusing on crime hotspots and has seen an uptick in arrests, with 25 made in April 2025 compared to 15 in the same month the previous year. This increase in arrests correlates with a rise in property crimes, prompting discussions about the need for additional officers to manage the workload effectively.

The council also reviewed statistics indicating that the department handled approximately 64 calls for service daily, with a consistent presence of officers on patrol. The Chief requested two additional officers to help balance the workload and address traffic complaints, which have been a growing concern among residents.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to enhancing public safety through strategic law enforcement initiatives and community engagement. The Chief's report and the council's discussions reflect a proactive approach to addressing crime and ensuring the safety of Riverton's residents. The council approved the consent agenda, which included minutes from previous meetings and an interlocal agreement resolution, before moving on to public hearings scheduled for later in the evening.