SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake City Police Department is pleased to announce that it has worked in partnership with Columbus Community Center to place two individuals with disabilities in the department’s civilian ranks.

“As a police chief, I’m always looking for ways to bring different people with varied life experiences on board, to better reflect and serve the community,” said Chief Chris Burbank, who became acquainted with Columbus after meeting some of its participants. “Why would we not want somebody who is so willing to participate and work hard here in the police department?”

Established in 1968, Columbus supports individuals with disabilities so they can live and work in the community. Individuals with disabilities often face a disproportionate number of obstacles when looking for employment. Columbus’s Supported Employment program provides services that help tackle some of these obstacles. Columbus staff collaborates with organizations like the SLCPD to identify employment opportunities, and then they work with individuals to guide them through the employment process. It was through this process that two individuals were recently hired by the SLCPD’s Investigative Bureau to perform various clerical duties.

“Our partnership with the Salt Lake City Police Department is a win-win for everyone—our collaboration illustrates how to we can match individuals with disabilities to meaningful employment opportunities. Individuals with disabilities consistently face a 65% unemployment rate, so these community partnerships are a proven way to identify job opportunities and match the right person with the right job,” said Gary Knapp, executive director, Columbus Community Center.

Contact:
Columbus Community Center: Stephanie Mackay, Foundation Director
Stephanie.mackay@slcschools.org
801-262-1552, ext. 136 (work)
801-699-5954 (cell)

SLCPD Public Information Officer: (801) 799-6397

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