SALT LAKE CITY — In a significant leadership shift for Salt Lake City’s law enforcement, Mayor Erin Mendenhall has announced the appointment of Brian Redd as the new chief of the Salt Lake City Police Department. The news comes after former Police Chief Mike Brown’s resignation last week, following a distinguished 33-year career in law enforcement, with the last nine years spent leading the department.
Brian Redd, who has spent a considerable amount of time in public service and law enforcement, brings a wealth of experience to the role. Most recently, he served as the executive director of the Utah Department of Corrections, where he led efforts to address a variety of criminal justice issues. Before that, Redd was a vice president at Goldman Sachs, overseeing compliance in the Salt Lake City office. His career also includes over two decades of service with the Utah Department of Public Safety, where he was deeply involved in various law enforcement initiatives.
Mayor Mendenhall, in her announcement, expressed confidence in Redd’s ability to lead the Salt Lake City Police Department through a time of evolving challenges and needs. “As our city grows, policing must continue to evolve and become more responsive to the dynamic challenges in our community,” Mendenhall said in a press release. “So it’s critical we meet this moment with urgency and with leadership in our police department that’s rooted in a deep commitment to collaboration. I believe Brian Redd is that leader.”
A Time for Change in Leadership
Mayor Mendenhall’s decision to seek a new chief came after a period of increasing scrutiny on law enforcement in Salt Lake City. Former Chief Mike Brown’s resignation was framed as a response to the evolving challenges facing the city, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when crime rates saw a spike despite a shrinking police force. Although Brown’s leadership was credited for guiding the department through the pandemic and managing an increase in crime, the mayor noted that it was “time for us to make a change with new leadership.”
The challenges Salt Lake City has faced in recent years, including growing crime rates, rising homelessness, and issues surrounding mental health and addiction, are among the driving forces behind the mayor’s decision to seek a new direction in police leadership. Mendenhall emphasized that the city’s future requires a police force that is not only reactive to crime but also proactive in addressing the root causes of criminal behavior.
“As our city grows, we must ensure that our police force reflects the values of our community and meets the needs of our diverse and changing population,” Mendenhall added. “Brian Redd has the experience and the vision to help us do just that.”
Brian Redd’s Vision for the Police Department
Brian Redd’s career path has given him a unique perspective on public safety. In his statement following the announcement, Redd made it clear that his approach to policing will be collaborative, listening to all levels of the police department as well as the community members. He emphasized the importance of working together with the criminal justice and social services systems to address the intersections of crime, homelessness, mental health, and addiction.
“My goal is to come in and listen to all levels within the organization and our community members on how we can best serve,” Redd stated. “I will aim to use my established relationships in the criminal justice and social services systems to resolve the challenging intersection of crime, homelessness, mental health, and addiction while partnering with all levels of government and the private sector to ensure individuals are treated with dignity and humanity while ensuring a safe community for all.”
Redd’s ability to work across sectors, including with government agencies, the private sector, and social service organizations, will be key in navigating the complex issues facing Salt Lake City. His experience in both public safety and the private sector may offer him a fresh perspective on how to manage a police department in a rapidly changing environment. His focus on ensuring that all individuals are treated with dignity while maintaining public safety reflects the broader shift toward community-centered policing seen in many cities across the nation.
The Next Steps: City Council Approval
Brian Redd’s appointment is not yet finalized. As per the city’s charter, he will need to appear before the Salt Lake City Council for a session of “advice and consent” on March 4. This process allows the council members to provide input and either approve or reject the mayor’s nomination. However, given Redd’s extensive background in law enforcement and public service, it is widely expected that the City Council will approve his appointment.
Once confirmed, Redd will take over leadership of the Salt Lake City Police Department, which has faced significant pressure to adapt to the city’s evolving needs. With a focus on building stronger ties with the community, Redd’s leadership will be tested as the city continues to confront issues of crime, homelessness, and mental health services.
In her press release, Mayor Mendenhall also acknowledged the work of former Chief Mike Brown, who was instrumental in leading the police department through tumultuous times, including the challenges brought on by the pandemic. Brown’s decision to resign was framed as an acknowledgment of the evolving needs of the department, and Mendenhall recognized his efforts in managing the department during one of the most challenging periods in recent memory.
Looking Ahead: A New Era for Salt Lake City Police
Salt Lake City is on the cusp of a new era in law enforcement leadership with the appointment of Brian Redd as police chief. His focus on collaboration and addressing complex issues will be key in shaping the future of policing in the city. As the city continues to grow and face new challenges, Redd’s leadership will be critical in ensuring that the police department remains effective, responsive, and community-oriented.
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