The City of Moab is pleased to announce that Utah Highway Patrol Captain Jared Garcia will lead the Moab Police Department as the new Chief of Police. Garcia will take the helm of the department on May 9.
“Captain Garcia is a seasoned law enforcement leader with wide-ranging investigative and administrative experience,” said Moab City Acting City Manager Carly Castle. “We’re excited that he has agreed to head the Moab Police Department. His commitment to improving officer morale and training, and to building strong relationships within the community are exactly what we need as we look to the future.”
Garcia has served in a variety of roles within the Utah Highway Patrol and State Bureau of Investigation since joining the Department of Public Safety as a Trooper in 2002. Garcia is currently in charge of the UHP Central Bureau, which includes Troopers in Salt Lake County and the DUI Squad. He also oversees the DPS Special Operations section which includes the SERT tactical team, the UHP Motor Squad, the DPS Dive Team and Public Order Unit.
Previously, Garcia was a Captain in charge of the State Bureau of Investigation which investigates all types of criminal activity, from terrorism and homicide to sexual assault, narcotics, and property crimes. He also has overseen the Department of Public Safety’s Victim Services program, the Youth Narcotics Task Force, the Narcotics and Violent Crime Unit, SBI Alcohol Enforcement Team, and Evidence Response Team, among other responsibilities.
Until its conclusion in 2020, Captain Garcia oversaw the DPS law enforcement function of Operation Rio Grande, a multi-agency collaboration focused on reducing crime in the Rio Grande neighborhood of Salt Lake City and providing outreach to ensure the homeless in that area were made aware of available social services and support.
In 2017, Garcia was a recipient of the International Association of Chiefs of Police “40 Under 40,” an award that recognizes 40 law enforcement professionals under the age of 40 from around the world who demonstrate leadership and exemplify commitment to their profession.
“I am incredibly grateful, and humbled by the opportunity to lead the Moab Police Department. I want to thank Carly Castle, Mayor Langianese, Ben Billingsley, the City Council members, and other stakeholders who participated in this process for placing their trust in me,” Garcia said.
“My family and I are very excited to join the community and make Moab our new home. I believe the future is very bright,” he added. “I am looking forward to working side by side with our officers as we seek opportunities to positively engage the community and provide exceptional public safety services to all people in Moab.”