Salt Lake City leaders are considering a massive $15 million increase to the police department’s budget — a 12.5% jump — at a time when basic city services and social programs are struggling to keep up with inflation and urgent community needs.

Most of this increase would go straight to salaries, overtime, and surveillance tech like drones and license plate readers, while no new officers are even being hired. Meanwhile, our city still lacks sufficient investment in affordable housing, mental health services, and community-based safety programs that actually prevent crime.

We are not asking for chaos. We are asking for balance. Public safety is about more than just policing — it’s about smart investments in people and communities. Before Salt Lake City pours more money into a growing surveillance system and inflated police payroll, we need transparency, accountability, and a clear explanation of what’s working and what’s not.

Tell the Salt Lake City Council: Do not approve this police budget increase without a full public hearing, a real audit of effectiveness, and strong safeguards to protect our civil liberties. Our safety should not come at the cost of our rights — or our priorities.