Moab Police Chief discusses staffing impact on incident rates and community outreach efforts

The Moab City Council meeting on July 8, 2025, focused on several key issues, including law enforcement strategies, noise enforcement related to off-highway vehicles (OHVs), and a presentation on the water utility resource management plan.

During the meeting, police chief discussions highlighted the department's approach to illegal camping, emphasizing education over citations. The chief noted that while there have been no citations issued, officers are actively engaging with the community to provide guidance on camping regulations. The conversation also touched on the correlation between staffing levels and incident reports, with the chief indicating that increased officer presence tends to lead to higher proactive enforcement numbers, including DUI arrests.

Council members expressed interest in how these statistics could be communicated to the public. It was noted that approximately 4,000 traffic stops occur annually in Moab, and efforts are underway to enhance public awareness through social media updates about the police department's activities.

The meeting also addressed noise enforcement related to UTVs. The police chief mentioned ongoing speed studies to assess the impact of UTVs on local noise levels. While initial findings suggested that speed may not be the primary issue, the department is exploring creative solutions to address community concerns.

Additionally, the council received a presentation on the water utility resource management plan. This study aims to develop a long-term water strategy for the city, providing a framework for future projects. The presentation clarified that the study does not evaluate aquifer capacity but offers projections based on previous research to help guide planning efforts.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to community engagement, public safety, and sustainable resource management as it navigates ongoing challenges. The council plans to continue discussions on these topics in future meetings.