Priority 03
Safe Communities &
Law Enforcement
Safe neighborhoods don’t happen by accident. They require investment, support, and leadership.
Safe neighborhoods don’t happen by accident. They require investment, support, and leadership.
Across Utah, law enforcement agencies are facing a recruitment and retention crisis. Departments in Davis County are no exception. Experienced officers are leaving for better-paying positions in other states or leaving the profession entirely. Meanwhile, recruiting the next generation has become harder than ever.
The consequences are real and immediate. Fewer officers mean longer response times, heavier workloads for those who remain, and growing strain on the men and women who put on a badge every day to keep our families safe. When we fail to invest in our officers, we fail to invest in our safety.
Kara believes that supporting law enforcement starts with the basics: competitive pay, strong benefits, modern equipment, and the training officers need to do their jobs effectively. If we want to attract and keep the best, we have to show them — through action, not just words — that we value their service.
Every day, police officers, firefighters, and EMTs face situations that most of us will never encounter. Violent crime scenes, fatal accidents, domestic crises, and the constant awareness that any call could turn dangerous — the cumulative toll of this work is enormous.
Studies show that first responders experience PTSD, depression, and anxiety at rates far above the general population. Yet too often, the culture around public safety treats mental health as a weakness rather than a reality of the job. Officers who need help are reluctant to seek it, fearing stigma or professional consequences.
Kara will champion state-funded mental health support programs specifically designed for first responders. This includes peer support networks, confidential counseling services, critical incident stress debriefing, and policies that make it clear: seeking help is a sign of strength, not a career risk.
First responders are trained to be tough. But toughness does not mean suffering in silence. Kara will push for legislation that expands mental health coverage for first responders, funds peer counseling programs, and creates a culture where getting help is respected — not punished.
Public safety requires more than rhetoric. It requires funding, policy, and a willingness to address root causes. Here is what Kara will fight for in the Utah Legislature.
Invest in competitive salaries and benefits packages that attract top talent to Utah law enforcement. Support signing bonuses, tuition reimbursement for criminal justice degrees, and career advancement pathways that keep experienced officers on the force.
Fund dedicated mental health programs for police, fire, and EMS personnel. Expand access to confidential counseling, peer support networks, and critical incident stress management. Remove barriers that discourage officers from seeking help.
Ensure officers have the tools, technology, and training they need to serve effectively and safely. Support body camera programs, de-escalation training, and ongoing professional development that reflects best practices in modern law enforcement.
Expand programs that build relationships between officers and the communities they serve. Support school resource officers, neighborhood watch partnerships, community advisory boards, and outreach initiatives that foster trust and mutual respect.
Strong public safety depends on strong relationships. Kara supports transparency initiatives, citizen police academies, and accountability measures that demonstrate law enforcement’s commitment to serving every resident fairly and professionally.
Address the root causes of crime by investing in drug prevention education, expanding access to treatment programs, and supporting diversion courts that offer a path to recovery. Combat the opioid crisis with evidence-based strategies that protect families and reduce recidivism.
The most effective policing happens when officers are seen not as outsiders, but as neighbors. When residents know their local officers by name, when kids wave at patrol cars instead of avoiding them, when families feel comfortable reaching out for help — that’s when public safety truly works.
Community-focused policing is not a slogan for Kara — it’s a strategy. It means officers walking beats, attending community events, coaching youth sports, and being present in the everyday life of the neighborhoods they serve. It means departments that reflect the diversity of their communities and leadership that listens as much as it directs.
Kara will advocate for state funding that supports community policing initiatives, school resource officer programs, and citizen engagement efforts. She believes every family in District 14 deserves to feel safe, heard, and respected.
“Safe communities don’t happen by accident. They happen because we invest in the people who protect us, build trust with the families they serve, and address the root causes that threaten our neighborhoods. I will always stand behind our officers — and I will always stand up for the communities they serve.”— Kara Toone
Kara Toone is committed to keeping our communities safe and supporting the men and women who protect us every day. Join her.