Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Alex Cabrero Reporting"We accept the responsibility of keeping it a safe place in preventing gang activity. That's a big part of what we do."
Logan's police chief says he's committed to fighting gangs, even after he eliminated the division the gang task force was in.
Logan is one of those quiet, peaceful cities seeing an increase in gang activity. Police have been trying to keep gangs out for years, which makes many wonder why the Special Operations Division, which had the gang unit, was eliminated. The chief has a simple answer.
Chief Russ Roper admits he is eliminating that division, but he says the detectives involved in the gang unit will now be part of the investigations department, fighting all sorts of crime, including gangs. Some just hope it's the way to go.
If you ever need something framed, Vint Larsen is your man. Inside his third generation business in Logan, he's been making works of art look better for years. Outside his business though, on his back wall, is a work of art there's just no way to make better.
Vint Larsen, Al's Trophies and Frames: "Oh, it just makes me mad. I'd like to find the kid that did it and reprimand him."
He'd like to, but this is probably more than just teenagers being teenagers. The markings are signs of gang activity and in Logan it seems to be popping up more.
Vint Larsen: "There are quite a few places in town that have been hit by it. It goes in streaks. Sometimes we'll have seven or eight places hit on one night."
Police have been fighting this type of crime and Larsen hopes they continue, especially after the new police chief in town recently said the division the gang unit was in is no more.
Vint Larsen: "Kind of concerned me a little bit, but I would hope it's just a little inter-department change they're gonna do."
Russ Roper: "We're not gonna turn our back on any crime activity, especially gang."
Russ Roper has been chief for a month, and says he's not getting rid of the gang unit, he's only transferring the gang detectives to the investigations department.
Russ Roper, Chief, Logan Police Dept.: "I think we've actually enhanced our response to it by creating it in another division."
He also understands why some residents were concerned about the special ops division being eliminated, but promises gangs are still high on his list. It is a promise Larsen would love to frame.
Vint Larsen: "I have confidence in the police here in Logan that they can take care of it."
Chief Roper says the change in his department begins right away; he fight against gangs began years ago.
