Council holds advice and consent hearing for police chief nominee; nominee pledges community engagement and officer support

The council held an advice and consent hearing for the mayor—s nominee to lead the Salt Lake City Police Department. The nominee, introduced as Brian (a former Executive Director at the Utah Department of Corrections), summarized his background in state public safety and corrections, described priorities for the department and answered council questions about training, community engagement and accountability.

Brian said he has served in leadership roles in state public safety and corrections and described a leadership style focused on officer support, proximity to the community, and building partnerships across social services and criminal‑justice stakeholders. He told the council he would prioritize officer training, supervisor development and wellness supports while maintaining a clear emphasis on public safety and accountability.

Councilmembers asked how he would police in complex, socioeconomically distressed neighborhoods and how to balance restorative approaches with public safety and neighborhood quality‑of‑life. Brian said accountability is a necessary foundation and that policing should be done with empathy and proximity; he emphasized working with partners across health, housing and corrections to address root causes while ensuring timely enforcement when public safety or quality‑of‑life issues arise.

On transparency and training he said the department should maintain high training standards, strengthen first‑line supervision and be transparent about corrective actions when needed. On recruiting and retention he cited competitive compensation, wellness supports, and strong supervision as key to retaining personnel and building a diverse, competent force.

The council indicated support and invited the nominee to the formal meeting consent agenda that evening for an up‑or‑down council vote. No formal vote occurred during the work session.