Practical Policing
- Stacy Hughes
- Jun 24
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 1
The safety and security of our families, our homes, and our futures is paramount to the people of South Jordan, and the city has responded with an ongoing commitment to training, transparency, and accountability in policing and EMS services.
A thriving city expects emergency services that are organized, efficient, and effective based off the core values of empathy and justice. But, sometimes a community policing initiative is best served by a neighbor with a clipboard, instead of an officer with a gun -
We've all seen police officers and fire fighters saving ducklings at the lake in Daybreak - but is there a better, non-lethal resource that could respond to these low-risk community calls?
I'd like to see South Jordan's fine emergency response services empowered to focus on areas where their skill, training, and budget is of highest and best use.
As we grow the South Jordan Police and Fire Departments to meet the needs of the years ahead we have an opportunity to lead in innovative community-led initiatives that foster safety and security .
My Focus:
A vigorous community watch volunteer force,
An expanded community advocates resources program, a
An allocation of future policing resources to proactive prevention and community engagement as we grow the South Jordan Police and Fire Departments to meet the needs of the years ahead.
Mental Health
Time after time we see a lack of accessible, affordable, emergency mental health services, while also collectively admitting that mental health is a significant contributor to violent crime, domestic violence, and suicide in our community. From addiction to illness, our city can do more to connect people in crisis with available resources within our emergency response departments, increased training for emergency responders on identifying and de-escalating mental health crisis situations, and increased patrols in identified risk areas. In February of 2025, South Jordan Chief of Police Jeff Carr informed the City Council of the challenge to public safety and community policing service response times caused by the shortage of nearby mental health support resources in South Jordan, and an over burdened MCOT (Mobile Crisis Outreach Team).
Women's Health
Women's health and safety is a family issue, but the families of South Jordan have a lack of community services to respond to families in crisis. We have all been rocked by the tragic impact on our community of domestic violence, mental health crisis, and violence against women. The limited services available to South Jordan residents in crisis -- including shelter, transportation, food banks, and affordable emergency healthcare -- exposes how much the city still needs to do.
Going Further
South Jordan could excel as an example of Practical Policing that works with the community, while carefully managing our public spending on safety services.
As your City Council representative I will watch for opportunities to focus on Practical Policing through the following framework
Expanding the award-winning Healthy South Jordan coalition
Expanded public/private partnerships with local service providers
Effective resource management, training, and community self-serve resources
Creating a pro-business environment that supports a south valley healthcare economy with a variety of resources. South Jordan could excel in this area, while lowering our public spending on these areas.
