Winder says Idea of Cottonwood Heights Police Force is "Problematic"
None by Eric Ray
(KCPW News) Salt Lake County Sheriff Jim Winder says Cottonwood Heights Mayor Kelvyn Cullimore isn't giving residents the whole story when it comes to the city starting its own police force.According to Cullimore, a recent study shows that operating costs of a local police department would be less than services contracted through Salt Lake County. Winder says the only way to beat the county price is to pay officers less, or eliminate S.W.A.T., K-9, and records and identification services.
Winder says his department has an agreement with Cottonwood Heights stating the city would not form its own police department. If it moves forward now means a loss of jobs in the County Sheriff's office.
In addition, Winder says Cottonwood Heights has saved money using contracted services and can afford to start a department now. However, he says its likely that several years down the line taxes will have to be raised to maintain the department and he uses South Salt Lake and Taylorsville as examples.
Cottonwood Heights officials, including Cullimore, are displeased with the treatment of Lieutenant Robby Russo who was placed on administrative leave pending an investigation into possible policy violations. By law, Winder is unable to comment on Russo's situation.
Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom. Copyright 2008 KCPW
1. Ann said:
Mayor Cullimore has always gone out of his way to make sure people have "the whole story" in regards to every issue that has come before the city.
Furthermore, he has always conducted himself with integrity and civility.
Mayor Cullimore was at the forefront of trying to create a model for better law enforcement within Salt Lake County. I believe he does and will continue to have his constituents' best interests at heart.
2. Ron Rook said:
I don't know Mayor Cullimore but I do know law enforcement administration processes. If the Sheriff places a senior law enforcement officer on paid leave for this long, there is a compelling reason. My call is wait and see. Having the Sheriff provide police services will serve the Cottonwood Heights city far better than starting up its own police services. There will be better quality of services and less money spent. The downside is, when a contracted police chief gets in hot water, Cottonwood Height may feel left out of the loop until a resolution. it's a small risk to endure.