Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Interim Committee
Members Present:
Sen. Michael G. Waddoups, Chair
Rep. Robert H.M. Killpack, Chair
Sen. LeRay McAllister Sen. Pete Suazo Rep. Perry L. Buckner Rep. Gary F. Cox Rep. Neal B. Hendrickson
Rep. David L. Hogue
Rep. Susan J. Koehn
Rep. Carl R. Saunders
Rep. John E. Swallow
Members Absent:
Rep. Blake D. Chard
Rep. David L. Gladwell
Staff Present:
Ms. Chyleen A. Arbon, Research Analyst
Ms. Susan Creager Allred, Associate General Counsel
Ms. Wendy Bangerter, Secretary
Note: A list of others present and a copy of materials distributed in the meeting are on file in the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel.
1. Committee Business
MOTION: Rep. Hogue moved to approve the minutes of the April 22, 1998 meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
2. Olympics and Public Safety - S.B. 159 "Government Relationship to Olympics"
Commissioner Craig Dearden, Department of Public Safety and Olympic Law Enforcement Commander, reviewed the planning efforts being made under the State Olympic Public Safety Command. He stated that full-time planners have been hired to consider all resources and create a public safety plan; a complete draft will be available by December, 1999. Some legislative issues the Public Safety Command will be considering are: concealed weapons, using out-of-state officers if local resources are not adequate, court procedures for foreign visitors, street vendors, ticket scalping, telephone taps and traces, and the criminal code on explosives.
Chief Ruben Ortega, Salt Lake City Police Department, affirmed his department's commitment to work with the Olympic Public Safety Command. He stated the department's biggest concern is gathering an adequate number of law enforcement officers. He will work to keep the Legislature informed of staffing and resource needs as the planning process progresses. The department has met with federal and state government officials and has received their commitment to offer financial assistance. Chief Ortega emphasized that the Olympic games belong to the entire nation, not just Salt Lake City, Utah.
Sheriff Aaron Kennard, Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office, reviewed some of the lessons learned from the Olympics held in Nagano, Japan and Atlanta, Georgia, regarding communications, transportation, protecting dignitaries, and training. He noted that S.B.159, "Government Relationship to Olympics," which passed in the 1998 General Session, has been key in establishing the lines of command. He also noted that law enforcement officers will be working a significant amount of overtime, and there is still a question of how that overtime will be funded.
Frank Bell, Director of Olympic Services for Park City's Department of Public Safety, stated how difficult it is to handle the complexities of the Olympics and continue regular duties at the same time. He distributed and referred to a "Master Plan Policy Base" and "Lessons Learned From Nagano." He stated his department's desire to create a safe atmosphere of celebration for all those visiting Utah. He also noted the increased energy in the state to develop programs to involve local youth in the Olympics.
Chief James Wilson, University of Utah Public Safety, reviewed the resources available in the University of Utah's security department. His biggest concern at this time is the proper construction of Rice Stadium. He noted that the communication problems that exist in the city between all enforcement officers and agencies will need to be resolved.
Chief Mike Mathieu, Ogden City Fire Department, discussed the oversight committee that has been organized to consider the issues that will need to be addressed by the Fire Departments and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) during the Olympics. He reviewed the process his department is using to determine risks, develop standards, and assess resource needs, so they can approach the federal government for financial assistance.
Sheriff Mike Spanos, Wasatch County Sheriff's Office, explained that his agency is in the planning process of determining the needs for Wasatch County's venue. He reviewed the services his office already provides to a large visitor population (3,000,000 annually) and what has been learned from that process. He emphasized the need to reduce death and injuries on the highway, provide for crowd and traffic safety, and prepare for and respond to emergencies. He encouraged the Legislature to consider what is happening with the UDOT highway funds for Wasatch County, as the Interchange at Highway 40 and Highway 33 in Wasatch County has been removed from UDOT's list of projects.
Chief Greg Cooper, Provo City Police Department, indicated his department is beginning its planning, because the city was just recently invited to participate with some of the venues. The department has some experience with large crowds, but does not have adequate resources and would appreciate whatever support could be offered from the Legislature. He noted that because Provo and its venues are more isolated, all services will have to be provided.
The department's biggest concern is transportation, which will have to be facilitated through the
use of buses.
Sheriff Brad Slater, Weber County Sheriff's Office, stated that his office is expecting 20,000 to 40,000 spectators daily during the events being held in Weber County. He explained
that his office has organized a subcommittee to be part of the Public Safety Command, which
will also consider local needs. He stated his greatest concern is transportation from Trapper's
Loop to Snow Basin, especially for emergency vehicles. A good radio communication system is
key to the safety of the games, especially in the event of a terrorist attack. He stated that such a
system is better funded through a state-wide effort, and encouraged the Legislature to strongly
consider that need.
Sheriff Fred Eley, Summit County Sheriff, needed to leave early and was not able to address the committee.
Dennis Crandall, Resident Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service, reviewed the responsibilities of the secret service agents in Utah for the 2002 games, which are to plan and
provide protective security and crisis management. He noted that plans have already been
developed, which have been used before, and they look forward to a cordial working partnership
with the Olympic Public Safety Command. He introduced Norm Jarvis whose focus will be
protective services for the President and Vice President of the United States, as well as other
dignitaries that will be visiting during the Olympics. A text of Mr. Crandall's speech was
distributed.
Christopher Bellavita, Olympic Public Safety Strategic Planning Coordinator, distributed and reviewed a summary of the Public Safety Planning for the 2002 Olympic Games
Public Safety Command. He stated the goal is to have a safe and enjoyable Olympics and that
the public safety plan is based on experience, research, and observation. The command is
planning to have a clear draft of what resources are available and what resources will be needed
in the state by December 1999, which will be updated periodically as plans progress.
Other issues the committee discussed included:
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The need for the Utah State Legislature to pay for overtime and extra law enforcement resources, which would be repaid through revenues of the Olympics;
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The securing of the areas surrounding the venues;
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Ancillary vehicles;
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Restricting concealed firearms in the venues; and
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Training for volunteers.
Jon Greiner, Ogden Chief of Police, expressed concern that the passage in 1998 of H.B.
308, "Peace Officer Amendments," could eliminate the volunteer reserve corps and create a
financial burden on various agencies across the state. He feels those reserves would be beneficial
during the Olympic games.
Ed Rhode, Police Chief from Heber City, expressed concern for the impact the Olympics
will have on small communities, and encouraged the Legislature to consider their needs for more
resources, as well as the communities where the venues are being held.
Sergeant Keith, University of Utah Police Dept, encouraged the Legislature to consider
that the University's need for coverage is a longer period of time than 16 days.
Commissioner Dearden reemphasized that the planners are considering all aspects of
public safety. He reviewed the appropriations that have been committed to this point and what
has been requested from the federal government to take the burden off local and state agencies.
MOTION: At 11:10 a.m., Rep. Saunders moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously with Sen. Suazo absent for the vote.
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