DPS NEWS

DPS Weekly Operation Rio Grande Report

Significant Updates:

• New Statistics – During this past week, the numbers of jail booked arrests are decreasing as Operation Rio Grande continues.  The number of arrests with a use of force was zero during week 10. However, there were still 36 drug-related arrests. Since the Operation began on August 14, the grand total jail booked arrests is now 1,767. Of those, 162 are felony arrests, 157 are felony arrests with warrants, 306 misdemeanor arrests, 459 misdemeanor arrest with warrants and 682 warrant arrests. There have been 908 total drug-related arrests.
• Meetings with those who live in the area and receive the services continue.  Three meetings have been conducted to answer questions, discuss any concerns, and collect input. The overwhelming input we receive is that these people are thankful for the reduction of crime in the area, yet still request law enforcement efforts to continue. They tell us they still witness some drug activity and safety concerns in the area.
• Reports of disbursement of persons from the Rio Grande area to other areas continue to decrease.
• During the past three weeks, more treatment beds have opened for those who have been arrested and are willing to undergo treatment. When those individuals are moved for treatment, their jail beds become available. New resources for the District Attorney’s office were approved by the Salt Lake County Council.
• News Conference:
  • On Wednesday, the Department of Workforce Services, the Department of Public Safety and the Governor’s Office hosted a news conference at the capitol to share a two-month update on Operation Rio Grande.

  Ongoing Actions:

  • Incident Command and the Mobile Command Vehicle remain at Rio Grande with 40+ DPS troopers and agents who continue to police the area.

  Website:

  • For more details about Operation Rio Grande and non-law enforcement efforts, see operationriogrande.utah.gov.