BEYOND THE BADGE

Javier Chavez, Unified Police Department

Jan 27, 2017, 9:50 AM | Updated: Aug 4, 2022, 11:07 am

...

The following letter was written by Lieutenant Brian Lohrke, Public Information Officer for the Unified Police Department:

“Detective Javier Chavez works in our Midvale Precinct and is assigned to The Road Home Shelter. Last Monday, he received an award from the NAACP for his work at the shelter. The following is a quick write-up from Midvale Chief Jason Mazuran, who has already endorsed my pitch for Detective Chavez:

Detective Javier Chavez has been a police officer for 12 years with the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the Unified Police Department. During his career he has had held several positions including Patrol and Investigations.

In April 2016, the Unified Police Department’s Midvale Precinct was looking for an officer to start as a community liaison officer between The Road Home Family Shelter, Midvale City, and all of the community businesses that share the area around the shelter. Since Detective Chavez has been involved in the position, numerous relationships have been formed between not only the employees of the shelter but the residents as well. The businesses around the area were very hesitant at first of having the shelter in their community, but have since become accepting of the changes and the fostered relationships between law enforcement, community and the Road Home. These relationships have help Detective Chavez to solve numerous crimes that have occurred in the shelter and surrounding areas. He has enforced the laws of Utah with compassion and fairness in regards to the needs of the homeless population. It is apparent in dealing with the residents in the shelter that they trust Javier to be fair and honest in their encounters.

Detective Chavez has taken the approach of educating the residents of The Road Home instead of always issuing citations that would cause a further hardship on the families residing there. He believes it is more important for citizens/residents to have a positive police experience through education rather than paying fines to the court or custodial arrests that might take them away from their family.

Throughout some encounters, Detective Chavez has assisted some of the residents of The Road Home by helping them with some of the issues they’ve had in the past with law enforcement. Such as helping them through the court system if they have outstanding warrants by educating them on how to handle those types of challenges.

Detective Chavez has been working very close with South Valley Services (SVS) in providing assistance to victims of Domestic Violence, such as assisting them with services from a Victim Advocate to help with court proceedings. Also in helping SVS relocate victims who have entered The Road Home to a more secure facility where the victim does not have to live in fear of their abuser finding their location.

Detective Chavez is currently working with several veterans from our nation’s Armed Forces that have experienced homelessness. Detective Chavez directs these veterans to the proper departments at the Veterans Administrations for assistance, not only financial but physical and mental assistance as well.

Detective Chavez not only deals with the residents of the shelter but continually meets with Midvale City Council, State Senator, State Representative, and Lobbyist to make our police model work and set the ground work for other police agencies who may follow our lead in dealing with their homeless populations at other centers that will be opening soon throughout the valley.

Detective Chavez has taken a very Problem Oriented Policing approach while dealing with our homeless population. The approach of problem solving has benefit the City of Midvale and its community. From the local business owner to the residents of Midvale City, the transition of having a family homeless shelter has not been easy. But with the efforts of our Unified Police Department and the relationships that Detective Chavez has built will make it a much easier transition. Providing the best customer service to our businesses, residents and homeless population is Detective Javier Chavez’s top priority.”

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

Beyond the Badge

...

KSL NewsRadio Sales

Officer William Barnett, Taylorsville

The following post was submitted as a nomination for Officer William Barnett.

6 years ago

...

KSL NewsRadio Sales

Officer Preston Casey, Centerville

During this past year Centerville Police Officer Preston Casey has faced difficult personal and professional tragedies, despite these difficulties he maintained a positive attitude and became even more sensitive to challenges faced by others.

6 years ago

...

KSL NewsRadio Sales

Lieutenant Eric Stucki, Utah State Parks

While attending his son's basketball game, Lt. Stucki performed CPR on a boy until the ambulance could arrive.

6 years ago

...

KSL NewsRadio Sales

Officer Steve Olson, Cottonwood Heights

As I sat waiting for my order, a police officer entered pushing a bike. Initially, I thought he was perhaps a bike cop; however, I quickly realized that something else was going on.

6 years ago

...

KSL NewsRadio Sales

Chief Wade Carpenter and Officer Phil Kirk, Park City

After breaking down in the middle of an intersection, Park City police officers pushed my car to safety. They then used their own money to fill my gas tank.

6 years ago

...

KSL NewsRadio Sales

Randy Thomason, South Ogden

Sergeant Thomason went above and beyond to assist a vulnerable man in need.

6 years ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

Javier Chavez, Unified Police Department