Park City Police report highlights crime trends, community engagement, and public safety initiatives

Park City Police Photo: TownLift // Rayne Moynahan

PARK CITY, Utah – The Park City Police Department’s newly released 2024 Annual Report shows a decline in overall crime, an expansion of community outreach programs, and ongoing efforts to enhance public safety through technology and intelligence-led policing.

Crime trends: declining rates but emerging concerns

Major crime reports in Park City have steadily declined, dropping from 701 cases in 2020 to 473 in 2024. Theft remains the most frequently reported crime, though incidents have decreased from 198 in 2020 to 138 in 2024. Vehicle burglaries also saw a notable decline, with only 19 cases reported in 2024 compared to 74 in 2020.

However, assault cases increased from 88 in 2023 to 111 in 2024, raising concerns about public safety. The department has yet to determine the factors contributing to this rise and is expected to monitor the trend closely.

Traffic and law enforcement activity

Traffic enforcement remains a key focus, with the department issuing 3,899 citations in 2024, slightly down from 4,131 in 2023. DUI arrests held steady at 43, while vehicle impounds more than doubled from 33 in 2020 to 70 in 2024, indicating increased enforcement of parking and vehicle-related violations.

Community policing and public outreach

In 2024, the department expanded its community engagement programs, including the Latino Academy, Citizens’ Academy, Coffee with a Cop, and e-bike safety initiatives. The School Resource Officer (SRO) program continued working with Park City schools to educate students on drug prevention and safety.

“These programs are essential for building trust and strengthening relationships between law enforcement and the community,” the report states.

Emergency preparedness and special events

The department played a significant role in securing major events like the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, during which the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was partially activated to ensure public safety. Additionally, a full-scale community evacuation drill is planned for Fall 2024, in collaboration with state and federal agencies to test emergency preparedness.

The integration of Unmanned Aerial Systems (drones) has enhanced emergency response efforts, supporting search-and-rescue operations and disaster monitoring.

Challenges and future initiatives

While crime rates are trending downward, calls for service have dropped from 23,008 in 2020 to 18,433 in 2024, highlighting potential changes in community needs or policing strategies. The Reserve Officer Program remains critical for handling large-scale special events, ensuring that Park City can manage the influx of visitors during high-profile gatherings.

Moving forward, the department plans to expand its intelligence-led policing efforts, further integrate technology into law enforcement, and address concerns related to rising assault cases.