ALL NEWS

South Salt Lake residents question if former police officers should sit on civilian review board

Oct 15, 2020, 6:44 AM | Updated: 6:45 am

civilian review South Salt...

South Salt Lake’s City Hall is pictured on Friday, Oct. 9, 2020. Laura Seitz, Deseret News

SOUTH SALT LAKE, Utah – Wendi Melling is a former dispatcher who has a soft spot for police officers. But she does not want to see a retired police officer on South Salt Lake’s new civilian review board. 

Melling told the city council last night that police officers have a brotherhood that can help them through bad times. 

However, she also feels it could lead to a conflict of interest, something no one would accept in other situations like a courtroom. 

“I think we can all agree there would be a public outcry if…people who were undergoing a jury trial had family members involved in the adjudication,” Melling said. 

Many people who spoke at last night’s meeting like Eliza McKinney said they also do not want family members of current police officers on the board. 

She also feels having the police involved would defeat the purpose.

“The whole point is that they’re civilians. It’s not supposed to be police making those decisions and having those discussions. I would also hope that the council thinks about removing a police officer from even attending…I think that that puts a lot of pressure and unspoken sway on the board,” McKinney said. 

Councilwoman Natalie Pinkney also expressed concern that the language of the ordinance setting up the board could allow current police officers from any city sit on South Salt Lake’s civilian review board. 

But some think excluding former police officers is unfair. 

South Salt Lake Fraternal Order of Police President Chad Leetham thinks retired officers bring a needed perspective. 

“Retired law enforcement, who have now served their time and are citizens of our great South Salt Lake community, shouldn’t really be penalized because of the profession they were in. Some of them were in 10 years, some of them were in 30, 40 years. But I still think they bring a lot to the table to bring some context and review to that board,” Leetham said.      

Other commenters also asked the council to make the board democratically elected instead of appointed by the mayor. 

South Salt Lake is in the process of putting together an ordinance to create the civilian review board. 

Some city council members have been open to the idea of having one former police officer be a voting member on the board. 

Currently, the plan calls for a police officer to be a non-voting member of the board. 


Live Mic: Rep. Ray on limiting power of civilian review boards

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

All News

Left: Actor Tom Wilson performs onstage in May 2005, (Frazer Harrison, Getty Images) Right: Crispin...

Jeff Caplan

Jeff Caplan’s Minute of News: Do bullies grow up to make more money?

A new study from the University of Essex found that schoolyard bullies grow up to make more money.

50 minutes ago

"Godzilla x Kong" could have gone without a number of special effects....

Steve Salles

KSL Movie Show review: ‘Godzilla x Kong’ would have been better with more story, less flash

The non-stop, splashy action of 'Godzilla x Kong' started to run together like a psychedelic, neon-tinted kaleidoscope.

1 hour ago

Louis Gosset Jr....

BETH HARRIS Associated Press

Louis Gossett Jr., 1st Black man to win supporting actor Oscar, dies at 87

Actor Louis Gossett Jr. has died at the age of 87. He won an Oscar and an Emmy winner for his role in the seminal TV miniseries "Roots".

1 hour ago

easter egg basket shown, easter spending will be in the billions in the us...

Peter Johnston

Easter spending could bring a $22 billion golden egg for retailers

Easter spending might not be as high this year compared to 2023 but Americans are still expected to spend $177 each on the holiday.

2 hours ago

a person pumps gas, which is expected to lower in price in 2023...

Andrew Adams, KSL TV

Data shows significant uptick in gas prices over past month in Salt Lake area

AAA gas prices showed Utah with an average price of $3.77 as of Thursday morning, up from nearly $3.13 a month ago.

2 hours ago

planting trees in a container...

Mitchell von Puttkammer

Dig, clip, water: Planting trees in the spring

It's a great time of year to plant trees, but where do you start? KSL Greenhouse Hosts Maria Shilaos and Taun Beddes dig up everything you need to know to get started.

3 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

South Salt Lake residents question if former police officers should sit on civilian review board