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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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Why this matters for HD14: Davis County is one of the safest places in Utah — and Kara intends to keep it that way. But safety doesn't maintain itself. It requires ongoing investment in the men and women who protect us, modern training and equipment, and community partnerships that build trust. Growth brings new challenges, and our public safety infrastructure must keep pace.
“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.