To Protect and to Serve

The new Police Chief in Provo City has established a strategy called Community Oriented Policing (COP). Specific officers are assigned to districts within the City and they become familiar with the  businesses, the residents, the unique concerns, problems, and strengths of their respective communities.

Our neighborhood is COP District 1 and Lt. DeVon Jensen is responsible for our district.  Working with him is Officer Sean Ellefsen.

One of the first projects of the officers has been to visit the hotels and motels in Provo and to build relationships with the owners and managers.  They are offering a certification to businesses that follow guidelines to prevent criminal activity. This certification may influence the fees for their business licenses.

Because of the recent Citywide Gang Project and dedicated work of the police department and Gang officer, there has been a 49% reduction in gang related crime in the past year.

One of the outward signals of gang activity is graffiti. Police officers are asking for our help.  If you spot graffiti, call it in to Police Dispatch as soon as possible. Call 801-852-6210.

Lt. Jensen reminds us that the majority of crimes committed in Provo are preventable. He encourages us to secure bicycles and vehicles and stow valuable items out of sight.  Also lock your homes, even when you are inside, and most importantly, report suspicious activity to Police Dispatch immediately. You can reach the police department for non-emergency calls at 801-852-6271. 

You can call Lt Jensen directly at 801-852-7242 but he noted that he works graveyard, so late night calls are welcome!