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UPD reports jump in domestic-violence calls; social-worker pilot highlighted
Summary
Lieutenant Chris Benedick reported 1,721 calls in May and 68 domestic-violence calls; UPD introduced a part‑time social‑worker pilot (Eddie Cole) funded by a grant that the council agreed to help support by supplying data and a possible support letter.
Lieutenant Chris Benedick told the council that UPD responded to 1,721 calls in May, producing 605 long-form reports and 235 criminal citations. He said domestic-violence calls were notably high last month, with 68 incidents, and that such cases require substantial officer time—about 3.5 hours per incident when jail intake is involved.
Benedick introduced Sergeant Harry Holt and Eddie Cole, a social worker assigned to the Magna precinct under a grant that funds two part‑time social workers. "Mental health problems has become a bigger part of policing," Eddie Cole said, describing his role in assessment and follow-up and how that work can free officers to focus on safety and enforcement. Staff said the grant runs through September and they are seeking renewal; council members asked staff to provide caseload data and explore a city letter of support for grant renewal.
Mayor and council expressed support for keeping the resource in Magna. "We would love to explore options of keeping any full time out here in Magna," Benedick said, and staff committed to provide Eddie's caseload statistics at the next council meeting so the council can evaluate long-term funding options.
