CRIME, POLICE + COURTS

Pioneer Park Coalition calls out SLC leaders for “lawless” homeless camps

Sep 14, 2021, 6:23 PM

Pioneer Park entrance in downtown, Salt Lake City.  (Nick Wyatt, KSL Newsradio)...

Pioneer Park entrance in downtown, Salt Lake City. (Nick Wyatt, KSL Newsradio)

(Nick Wyatt, KSL Newsradio)

SALT LAKE CITY — The Pioneer Park Coalition called out the mayor and chief of police for Salt Lake City during a news conference Tuesday afternoon. 

Pioneer Park Coalition challenges Salt Lake City leadership 

In a news release, the Pioneer Park Coalition described the public safety and homelessnesses issues in Salt Lake City as “dire.” 

The release also stated a city should treat people within its limits with compassion but added the city must also ensure a safe and clean place for its citizens. 

“I hear from residents and people who live and work here in downtown Salt Lake City, crying out for help every single day. [They are] saying ‘the crime is out of control. When I call the police, they don’t show up. If they do, it’s four hours after the fact’,” said Pioneer Park Coalition Executive Director Tyler Clancy at the news conference Tuesday. 

Clancy believes there is an obvious disconnect between Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown, and the reality of what happens downtown

“If they don’t think there’s a problem, we really need to highlight that there is,” Clancy said. 

Speakers at the news conference also criticized recently built homeless resource centers. The group said opening more shelter beds is not the solution. 

Utah’s former federal prosecutor weighs in

Former U.S. Attorney for Utah, John Huber, also attended the news conference at Pioneer Park. 

Huber said it might be time for Salt Lake County and the state to get involved to help curb the problem of “lawless camping.” 

“The governor’s office, the legislature, county sheriff, county mayor, county council, and certainly the county attorney,” Huber explained. 

Huber cited complaints from police officers who say they cannot arrest campers because of a lack of available jail space. 

Huber feels the Oxbow Jail in Salt Lake County could be used to house arrested campers. 

“So that we can have an option for law enforcement to hold people accountable for breaking the law,” said Huber. 

The mayor’s office and police department respond

The Salt Lake City Police Department and office of Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall issued statements after the Pioneer Park Coalition news conference Tuesday afternoon. 

The SLCPD said any description of the city using the term “lawlessness” is “wrong.” 

Lindsey Nikola, a spokeswoman for Mayor Erin Mendenhall,  said she understands the coalition’s concern but believes their efforts would be better spent trying to help solve the city’s homelessness issues. 

Salt Lake City police said it stands by its method of dealing with homeless campers. It also believes data showing a 5-year average drop in crime of 4.3% is accurate. 

We want to hear from you.

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

Today’s Top Stories

Crime, Police + Courts

A video recorded by Facebook user Larry Jacquez shows the police response following the shooting in...

Jamiel Lynch, CNN     

At least 3 people killed and 2 officers wounded in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police say

Multiple people were shot and at least three killed in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police said in a Facebook post.

10 months ago

slcpd on the scene of the deaths...

Josh Ellis

Police: Teen killed by father in murder-suicide in SLC office building

Police responded to the office complex near 3000 S. Highland Drive on Saturday after emergency responders received a call from a community member who reported finding a body.

10 months ago

a police car is pictured...

Mark Jones

SLCPD investigating suspious death, seeks public’s assistance

SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake City police say a body found Sunday morning in downtown is considered to be a suspicious death. Police were called to the area of 536 S. 200 West just after 11 a.m. Once on scene, officers confirmed the individual, who was found in a field, to be deceased. Information […]

10 months ago

The new Utah State Correctional Facility is pictured in Salt Lake City on Thursday, June 30, 2022. ...

Mark Jones

State Correctional Facility placed on temporary lockdown

The Utah State Correctional Facility was placed on temporary lockdown Saturday following a fight with several inmates.

10 months ago

The Salt Lake City Police Department is investigating the deaths of two people. Their bodies were f...

Mark Jones

SLCPD investigating after two bodies found inside an office complex

Salt Lake City police are investigating the discovery of two bodies found Saturday inside an office complex near 3000 S. Highland Drive.

10 months ago

Unified police...

Mark Jones

Woman dies in hiking accident in Big Cottonwood Canyon

Unified Police say a 34-year-old woman died Friday following a hiking accident in Big Cottonwood Canyon.

10 months 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.

Pioneer Park Coalition calls out SLC leaders for “lawless” homeless camps