With the orange cones finally gone and North Temple's traffic unhindered by Trax construction for the first time in three years, the Salt Lake City Police Department has been flexing its muscle on the street in a week-long operation.---
The sweep, which began Monday and finished Friday, netted 11 felony arrests as of Thursday, all but one drug-related; 16 misdemeanor busts; 26 traffic citations; four jaywalking tickets; and eight warning stops for traffic no-nos. There was one prostitution-related felony arrest.
SLCPD Chief Chris Burbank noted in a press release that the end of construction might lead to a revival of criminal activity on a street long infamous for prostitution, drug dealing and usage. "The operation this week makes it clear to residents and businesses that we support them and will not tolerate those who would take advantage of the neighborhood."
Along with pedestrian stops, a SLCPD spokeswoman said specific police units have been targeting different areas of the still-run-down street each day of the operation, including narcotics and vice. "We try to get out there and let citizens know we are here," she said.