Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office

As public servants, law enforcement officers in Salt Lake County have the solemn duty to protect society from dangerous criminals.  At times, the execution of that duty puts officers in situations requiring the use of deadly force.  While officers are given the responsibility and authority to use deadly force in protection of themselves and others, all recognize the need to ensure that authority is not misused.  Thus, the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office investigates and reviews all incidents of law enforcement using deadly force in Salt Lake County.  DA investigators participate in a joint investigation of the incident and report their findings to DA Miller and her staff.  Upon review of the facts and evidence of the shooting, DA Miller, the Criminal Division Administrator, and the DA investigations attorney compare the circumstances of the use of deadly force with the Utah State Code.  DA Miller then issues an opinion as to whether or not the use of force was legally justified according to State Code. 

If the reviewed use of force is deemed legal, the involved law enforcement agency is informed, and the DA’s Office closes their investigation.  While the DA’s investigation and review occurs, the concerned law enforcement agency conducts their own independent review of the incident and determines whether or not any disciplinary action is necessary according to their policies and procedures.  The law enforcement agency then decides when and under what circumstances involved officers return to work or are disciplined. 

Once a decision has been made regarding the legality of the use of force, the DA’s Office informs the public of its decision by issuing a press release to various news agencies explaining the facts necessary to understand the decision that has been made.  The letter issued to the law enforcement agency is also released.