Did you know West Jordan Police have a Community Outreach Team

Police: Serve. Protect. Empower.

We call the police when we're in trouble, when someone is hurt, or when we need protection. Officers do all this, and more.

West Jordan Police Department's Public Outreach Committee focuses on educating,and connecting with residents. WJPD officers volunteer for the committee and help plan and host events for the community.

These events allow officers and residents to build positive and supportive relationships. They are also opportunities to talk about things that aren't emergencies, but benefit from an officer's help. For example, residents can discuss concerns about homeless camps near their homes, frequent late-night activity in local parks involving non-residents, or houses suspected of drug dealing.

Enforcement and accountability is important, but teaching can be a far greater tool than giving a penalty.

Here are some events officers invite the public to, though new ideas are always in the works.

• Faith and Blue - An event every October for officers to communicate with and offer support to local faith leaders.
• Chalk/Cookies with a Cop - A fun and positive event for kids to interact and build trust with officers.
• Drivers Education for Spanish Speakers - An educational course for Spanish speakers on how and where to get a drivers' license.
• Drug Take-Back - Residents can safely dispose of medications with no questions asked.
• School Safety Days - Officers have lunch with kids, or give safety presentations at schools.
• Lights-On Voucher Program - If you get pulled over for a missing head/tail light, the officer may give you a voucher to get it fixed.
• Block Parties - If you organize a neighborhood get-together, you can request officers to visit the party.
• Seasonal Parties - Officers host 'Trunk-or-Treat', and 'Cocoa with Santa' for more positive interactions with kids.
• Resources - Officers can help victims in a criminal case find resources for assistance and recovery.
• Education - Officers may educate you on laws you have unknowingly broken and issue a warning rather than a ticket.
• Project Safeguard - An online portal that allows caregivers of individuals with special needs to share important information. Instant access to information helps officers respond quickly and effectively.