UPD officers sworn in to Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office

SALT LAKE CITY — Dozens of Unified Police officers have been sworn in as deputies with the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office. However, many of them will have the same responsibilities as before.

A law passed in 2023 separated the sheriff's office and the UPD.

“We didn’t choose to split, but we support the legislature once they make that decision,” said Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera. “We just moved forward to try to make it happen as quickly and as smoothly as possible.”

Rivera also said the biggest change community members will see will be more deputies in green and beige.

The sheriff's office will take over patrols in canyons, public lands and unincorporated parts of the county.

At first, Rivera was unsure about the change.

“I believe the decision to have the sheriff oversee the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office was a good decision by the legislature,” she said. “There will be no more questions about what it means to be fair to the rest of the community.”

Rivera said it costs the sheriff's office more because there are fewer departments sharing resources and costs. However, she did not have a specific number. She also said the focus is on making sure no one loses service.

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