SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Salt Lake County Sheriff Jim Winder says he’s planning to step down to become police chief in the southern Utah city of Moab.
Winder said Tuesday that he’s been worn down by a series of unconnected officer deaths as well as issues with jail overcrowding and disagreements over homelessness in downtown Salt Lake City.
He says his relationship with leaders in Utah’s capital city has been frustrating, especially over the contentious issue of crime near Salt Lake’s overcrowded shelter.
The Moab city council must still approve his appointment, and if they do he would likely leave this summer.
Winder says he’s planning to recommend a temporary replacement who would not run for sheriff in 2018, since preparing for the election could distract from day-to-day running of the department.