SALT LAKE CITY July 17, 2016 — Attorney General Sean Reyes released the following statement regarding the shootings today in Louisiana:
“The tragedies in Louisiana and Florida this morning only deepen our sorrow as we mourn precious lives lost in such senseless ways at home and abroad over the past several months. Whether American or French lives, law enforcement or civilian lives, regardless of religion, race, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status, our hearts do not discriminate in our grief and our prayers are neither selective nor withheld from sincere expression of love, support and solidarity for friends and loved ones of victims.
“Each of these victims, under other circumstances, could be members of our very own families and are members of our extended global family. On this day, a Sabbath to many around the world, may our prayers and thoughts be united for more peace and understanding locally and globally.”
SALT LAKE CITY July 15, 2016 – Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes released the following statement regarding the attack in Nice, France:
“As we have done far too many times in the recent past, we express our sadness and solidarity for our brothers and sisters across the world. We denounce the cowardly and barbaric attack in Nice, France that took so many innocent lives tonight. Whether or not the perpetrator was affiliated with a known terrorist group, this unthinkable attack was nothing short of an act of terrorism.
“Such tragedies remind us how difficult it is to protect our own communities. Like those law enforcement officers in France who prevented even further mayhem and carnage, we thank dedicated law enforcement officers locally and nationally for their constant efforts to keep us safe from similar threats.
“May God bless the people of France and the families of victims with His peace and comfort.”
AG Reyes, Sen. Thatcher, and SafeUT Commission Urge Churches and
Youth to Seek Summer Crisis Support through SafeUT
SALT LAKE CITY June 6, 2016 — Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes, State Senator Daniel Thatcher and University Neuropsychiatric Institute (UNI) representatives conducted a training for clergy from across the state on how to use SafeUT app to help teens in crisis. The training, known as “safeTALK,” is a half-day alertness training that prepares anyone over the age of 15, regardless of prior experience or training, to become a suicide-alert helper.
“Suicide is the number one cause of death in our state for children ages 10-17. In fact, the number of teens taking their own lives exceeds the next three teen causes of death all combined,” said Attorney General Reyes. “In the short time since we have introduced the SafeUT app we have already seen kids empowered and lives saved. Today’s training of clergy, from various denominations and ministries, is critical because these men and women yield such influence with the youth in their spiritual care. Our collaboration with clergy, schools, law enforcement, all members of the community along with the professionals at UNI is vital to saving lives.”
“What makes SafeUT so exceptional is that we’ve found a way to connect the people who are in crisis with those who can help,” said Senator Daniel Thatcher. “Suicide is the single deadliest crisis facing our youth. With the SafeUT mobile app, an anonymous chat, text or call could save your life or the life of someone you love. It’s the only way we can tackle something of this magnitude.”
During the six months since the SafeUT app was unveiled, it has been introduced to schools across the state. UNI Representatives have received feedback indicating that the app is working and that lives are being saved. The SafeUT Mobile App provides students confidential and anonymous two-way communication with SafeUT crisis counselors or school staff via one-touch options to “Call Crisisline,” “Chat Crisisline,” or “Submit a Tip.” Students using the mobile app will connect directly to a UNI crisis counselor at the UNI CrisisLine and those calling will be routed to the same. For those who do not have access to a smart phone, the Lifeline number 1-800-273-8255 is also supported by UNI.
Students can download the SafeUT Mobile app at any time and will receive training on how to use SafeUT Services by their school administrators. The first round of Utah school administrators were trained over the past six months on school implementation. Utah schools are currently participating or will have the opportunity to participate over the next year, but it is not mandatory. As schools enroll in the program, an online tool will be shared to allow students to report crisis or crime through their school’s website.
Most people with thoughts of suicide don’t truly want to die, but are struggling with the pain in their lives. Through their words and actions, they invite help to stay alive. Helpers trained in safeTALK can recognize these invitations and take action by connecting them with life-saving intervention resources. safeTALK-trained helpers are an important part of suicide-safer communities, working alongside intervention resources to identify and avert suicide risks.
SALT LAKE CITY May 18, 2016 – Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes released the following statement about the 25th anniversary of the Utah Children’s Justice Program:
“This week we recognize a historic milestone as the Utah Attorney General’s Office celebrates 25 years of the Children’s Justice Center model in Utah. The Children’s Justice Centers (CJCs) provide a homelike, child focused sanctuary for abused children to be interviewed and supported though-out criminal investigations. Cases are handled by a multidisciplinary team of law enforcement, child protective services, prosecutors, medical and mental health providers, and others who help children find their voice and a pathway to justice and healing.
“In 1991, through the efforts of community advocate Grethe Peterson, Weber County Attorney Reed Richards, and Utah legislators Craig Peterson, Lyle Hillyard, and John Valentine, Utah opened its first three centers. In 1994 the CJCs were incorporated into a program under the Utah Attorney General’s Office, which has expanded services to 22 centers serving 28 counties. The founders envisioned the centers as public-private partnerships, with government and community support, and Utah’s program is now viewed as a model throughout the country. We are grateful to our distinguished founders for their vision, and we congratulate Administrator Tracey Tabet and the directors of the 22 Children’s Justice Centers across the state for 25 years of success.”
To learn more about the important work the CJCs do, please watch the following short video:
SALT LAKE CITY May 16, 2016 – Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes issued the following statement regarding National Mental Health Awareness Month:
“Whether we realize it or not, most of us know someone who struggles with mental health challenges or that lives with mental illness. By reaching out to embrace and accept those who struggle with such difficulties, we can each help them on the road to management of mental illness and recovery while hopefully ending any stigma associated with mental health issues.
“So many cases in our office, whether civil or criminal, law enforcement or administrative, impact or are impacted by mental health issues. Throughout this month, and the year, let us reach out with acceptance and kindness to those who struggle with mental health problems and accept them for who they are without letting such struggles define them.”
SALT LAKE CITY May 15, 2016 – Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes issued the following statement regarding National Police Week:
“Throughout the year I pray for the safety of Utah law enforcement officers in Utah and nationwide. I am deeply grateful for the day-to-day service they render and for the sacrifices they and their families make. As we kick off National Police Week, I extend my sincere and heartfelt gratitude to all of the men and women of law enforcement across the state for their dedication and continued sacrifice on behalf of Utah citizens. Our team at the Utah Attorney General’s Office is proud to serve with them.
“Please join me in recognizing Peace Officer Memorial Day on May 15, 2016 in remembrance of the fallen who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. May God watch over and keep safe our men and women in uniform as they continue to protect our citizens and the freedoms we enjoy in our great state and nation.”
SALT LAKE CITY April 11, 2016 – In an opinion today, the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit issued its decision in Brown v. Buhman, No. 14-4117, reversing a 2013 decision by the Utah District Court to strike down the cohabitation provision of the Utah polygamy law. The Tenth Circuit’s opinion, drafted by Judge Scott Matheson, Jr., is attached below. The Tenth Circuit panel ruled on standing grounds, finding the case moot.
“We are pleased with the opinion of the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals in Brown v. Buhman,” said Attorney General Sean Reyes. “While the Office of the Attorney General was long ago dismissed from this case, we represented the Utah County Attorney’s Office on appeal as is our obligation whenever there is a facial challenge to our state statutes and Constitution.
“Similar to our own office policy, Utah County only prosecutes bigamy crimes against those who induce marriage under false pretenses or if there is a collateral malfeasance, such as fraud, domestic abuse, child abuse, sex abuse or other abuse. As a result of this policy, the Tenth Circuit found that there is no harm to the Browns and that the district court had erred in granting summary judgment.
“I applaud the hard work of our lawyers and support team in this case led by Federal Solicitor Parker Douglas. I appreciate the professionalism and skilled lawyering on the other side of this case. And I understand the desire to decriminalize cohabitation by those otherwise law abiding citizens living in such households.
“We want them to come out of any shadows to report crimes, avoid abuse and continue to live peaceful and productive lives. We have worked with them in the past to those ends. And we have not used our scarce resources to prosecute them unless there is evidence of violence, fraud or corruption.
“Legislation was very close to passing this last session on cohabitation. Perhaps one day the laws will change, but if they do, it should be through the democratic process. Until then, it is the duty of the AG’s Office to defend such laws to the best of our ability.”
This morning, Attorney General Sean Reyes participated in a press conference supporting Prevent Child Abuse Utah (PCAU) at the Utah State Office of Education to announce April as Child Abuse Prevention month.
With Mary Lucero, Executive Director of Prevent Child Abuse Utah, Attorney General Reyes offered remarks and answered questions.
PCAU’s mission ias to break the cycle of child abuse through education and training. Last year, PCAU educated more than 42,000 children and adults with its child abuse prevention programs. For more information, contact PCAU at 801-393-3366 or visit www.preventchildabuseutah.org
