Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake

Main Number 801.743.7000

Contact Us

Emergency 911 • Non-Emergency Dispatch 801.840.4000

File a Police Report Online

Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake

Main Number 801.743.7000

Contact Us

Emergency 911 • Non-Emergency Dispatch 801.840.4000

File a Police Report Online

About UPD
UPD Leadership
Communities We Serve
About UPD Leadership Communities We Serve

About UPD: Training & Policy

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About UPD
Chief of Police

Chief of Police Jason Mazuran

“As an organization, we strive to always be transparent and accountable to the citizens that we serve. This includes a constant review of policies and updating of training to meet best practices and address the specific needs of the communities we serve.”

The Unified Police Department (UPD), under the guidance of Chief Mazuran and Board of Directors, is constantly reviewing and updating policies and training to ensure officers are utilizing best practices and are equipped to serve our communities. We will continue to engage our community leaders as we explore opportunities for improvement.

UPD Policy Manual

List of Training Topics for UPD

Officers are trained to use the least amount of force necessary to achieve a peaceful outcome. Continued de-escalation training, provided to all officers, helps reinforce this. De-escalation tactics have been incorporated into our defensive tactics and firearms trainings which engage officers in scenarios that allow them to utilize de-escalation tactics. To give officers additional tools, UPD provides cultural sensitivity training, including LGBTQ sensitivity training.

Annually, UPD officers receive training on these topics:

  • Sexual Harassment
  • Hazmat
  • Bloodborne Pathogens
  • Use of Force & De-escalation Options
  • Legal Updates
  • Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) Certification (bi-annually)
  • Emergency Vehicle Operations (every three years)

Body-Worn Cameras

In 2017, the Unified Police Department (UPD) received a grant to purchase cameras and video storage for half of our patrol officers. Upon expiration of the grant in 2019, the UPD Board of Directors allocated funds to continue the program. Both state statute (77-7a-104) and UPD policies direct the mandatory activation and use of a body camera. Officers are required to activate their body cameras upon arriving at any call for service or on pro-active law enforcement encounter such as traffic stops and pedestrian stops. Failure to activate a body camera is a disciplinary offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is UPD’s policy on chokeholds / strangulations holds?

The UPD prohibits the use of chokeholds, strangulation holds, or other maneuvers that place pressure on the neck or throat unless it is necessary to prevent serious bodily injury or death. (UPD Policy 300.3.3)

2. Does UPD require officers to take de-escalation training?

The UPD provides de-escalation training for all officers. De-escalation strategies have been incorporated into many areas of our training; preparing officers to de-escalate volatile situations, minimizing uses of force and maximizing public safety. “Whenever feasible, officers should attempt to de-escalate confrontations with the goal of resolving encounters without force. Officers may only use force that is objectively reasonable, necessary and as a last resort.” (UPD Policy 300.2) Also, refer to UPD Policy 421.6.

3. Are officers required to issue a warning before shooting?

UPD trains officers to use verbal warnings before the use of any force. Use of deadly force is governed by UPD Policy and Utah State Code which says, “If feasible, a verbal warning should be given by the officer prior to any use of deadly force under Subsection (1)(b) or (1)(c).” (UPD Policy 300.4; Utah Code Annotated 76-2-404)