Sheriff Rosie Rivera is running for reelection to lead the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office in the Nov. 3 general election. Rivera, a Democrat, faces Republican Shane Manwaring.

Rivera was sworn in as sheriff on Aug. 15, 2017, becoming the first female sheriff elected in Utah, according to the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office website. She oversees approximately 1,100 employees and manages the largest jail and court security operation in the state, according to the Salt Lake County Democratic Party.

Candidate information

  • Party: Democratic
  • Office sought: Salt Lake County Sheriff
  • Birthplace: Ogden, Utah; raised in Layton, Utah
  • Memberships: Council on Criminal Justice; Salt Lake County Opioid Task Force; Salt Lake County Advisory Board for the Family Justice Center; Salt Lake Area Gang Project Governing Board; Metro Narcotics Task Force Advisory Board; past chair of the Criminal Justice Advisory Committee for Salt Lake County

Experience and public service

Rivera joined the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office as a law enforcement officer in 1993, according to the county website. She served as deputy chief at the Sheriff's Office and as precinct chief at the City of Riverton before her election as sheriff.

Her awards include the 2018 Sundance Women in Leadership Award, the 2019 YWCA Outstanding Achievement Award for Public Service and the 2020 Rosa Parks Award, according to the county website.

On the issues

The following positions are drawn from Rivera's responses on BallotReady and her campaign website. All statements reflect the candidate's own claims.

Public safety and jail capacity: Rivera said public safety is her top priority. She said she is working with the Salt Lake County Council and mayor to expand jail capacity and address long-term needs while maintaining zero overcrowding releases.

Alternatives to incarceration: Rivera said she brought Medically Assisted Treatment to the Salt Lake County jail, supporting drug addiction treatment and mental health treatment as alternatives to incarceration. She said a traditional corrections setting is not always the best option, which is why she has supported alternatives including treatment and supervised release. Those alternatives also help maintain bed space for violent offenders, she said.

Crisis response and victim services: Rivera said it is critical that law enforcement officers receive adequate training to help a person in crisis and that communities have resources available. She said she is committed to working with advocates who protect victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Gang prevention: Rivera said she is working to expand the Salt Lake Area Gang Project, strengthening enforcement while growing prevention and intervention efforts to reach youth early. She said she continues to strengthen programs that reduce repeat offenses and improve coordination across the justice system.

Workforce retention: Rivera said public safety starts with a strong workforce and that she prioritizes supporting employees through competitive pay and retention.

Endorsements

The following endorsement was claimed by the endorsing organization, according to BallotReady:

  • Women's Democratic Club of Utah

Candidate positions were gathered through BallotReady questionnaire responses and the candidate's campaign website. The Sandy Herald presents this profile as a voter resource and does not endorse candidates.