Mayor’s Message

Committed to Those Who Protect and Server

One of my favorite things as mayor is sharing our town’s history, stories and information that help residents understand, appreciate, and connect with the amazing place we are blessed to call home. I’ve often spoken of the past, historical events and foundational progress, but recent events are quickly shaping who we are today, in front of our very eyes. This month, I want to share some of the recent history and remarkable progress of  law enforcement in our city,  and emphasize the priority of public safety in all we do.

From our earliest days, Washington has had individuals step up to help maintain peace and order, whether formally recognized or not. We’ve had marshals, deputies, officers, and others serving the public, keeping us safe. As our population began to grow in the mid-1990’s, Washington City hired part-time officers, and then in 1999 turned to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office to provide law enforcement coverage. During these periods, we were primarily served by homegrown individuals, including current Washington County Sheriff Nate Brooksby, who got his start in law enforcement and served the early years of his career as both an officer and a deputy here.

That collaborative partnership helped Washington through a significant period of growth. But by the year 2005, it became clear that Washington City was ready to support its own full-time police department. The Washington City Police Department (WCPD), as currently organized, was officially established on January 1, 2006, with Jim Keith as the first full-time police chief. For the next 13 and a half years, Chief Keith worked to build a department based on integrity, professionalism, and strong community ties, doing everything possible with the limited resources and funding our stretched city could provide.

During most of that period, officers operated out of a small converted office building on Main Street. The department had to be creative in everything from desk space to evidence storage. Then, in 2016, Washington took a significant step forward by bonding for and constructing a modern police station one block over, on 100 East. This gave our expanding department the professional space and resources needed to serve a growing community and the ability to respond to increasing demands.

Jason Williams started as an officer with Washington City just 18 months after the department was established, and rose through the ranks to become our second police chief in 2018.  Under Chief Williams’ leadership, WCPD continues to grow, evolve, and succeed. Since 2020 alone, we’ve increased staffing by 28%, with 39 sworn officers and nine civilian team members on duty. From school resource officers to K-9 units, our officers are trained, equipped, and committed to serve and protect. In 2023, WCPD earned formal accreditation from the Utah Chiefs of Police Association, a proud milestone recognizing how far we’ve come.

A large part of what makes this possible is a shared commitment by city leadership and residents alike. In the coming fiscal year 2026 budget, 80% of combined property and sales tax revenue is allocated to public safety, police and fire services, consistent with years past. This ongoing investment reflects the elected leadership’s deep belief that strong communities start with safety and trust. Our police department’s strong emphasis on community policing means that residents and officers work hand in hand in an environment of mutual respect and understanding.

As WCPD prepares to celebrate 20 years, thank you to the men and women who wear the badge for your courage, compassion, and commitment. And to our residents, thank you for supporting those who serve.

 -Kress Staheli

Mayor

kress@washingtoncity.org