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SARATOGA SPRINGS, Utah (AP) -- This town of 6,500 could soon get its own police force, perhaps next year.
Saratoga Springs' 21 square miles are currently patrolled by the Utah County Sheriff's Office. That contract is up for renewal next year.
"From the very outset of the incorporation of the city, it's always been a topic of discussion of when we would be able to have our own police department," said Saratoga Springs Mayor Timothy Parker.
The city sought the advice of South Jordan's deputy city manager, Gary Whatcott, in trying to determine if the time had come for its own department.
Saratoga Springs is about the size now that South Jordan was when it formed its own police department 16 years ago, Whatcott said.
"I think the numbers are close enough to see that it's close, and see that this is a good place to start," Whatcott said.
Whatcott recommended Saratoga Springs begin its search for a police chief this winter, if it wants to begin establishing a department in June.
The upfront cost of starting a small police force with 12 people is $280,344, Whatcott said. The annual cost of running the police department, with materials, fleet equipment and office supplies included, is estimated at $1,280,531.
He also suggested Saratoga Springs start small and grow as needed.
"As you grow, the percent of crime rate will increase, but you'll grow into what you need," he said.
Parker said he is happy with the service the city gets from the sheriff's department, but there would be an advantage to having a city police force.
"My perspective on it is we probably could do it if we wanted to," Parker said. "The decision needs to be based on the money but also on the depth of service we could get with our own department as compared with the sheriff's department."
In addition to having local control of a city force, some City Council members said having local officers could strengthen residents' appreciation for and trust of the police.
"I believe we're ready to move in this direction," said City Council member Mia Love.
------ Information from: Deseret Morning News, http://www.deseretnews.com
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
