Utah Chiefs of Police Association to Host 2nd Annual Law Enforcement Career Day

“Find Yourself in Utah” Recruitment Campaign Attracted More than 500 Students and 35 Agencies in 2025

SANDY — The Utah Chiefs of Police Association (UCOPA) will once again offer the public the opportunity to explore career options in Utah law enforcement by hosting the second annual Find Yourself in Utah Law Enforcement Career Day on Sept. 9, 2026.

In April 2025, UCOPA hosted its first-ever Career Day as part of the ongoing Find Yourself in Utah campaign, an ongoing effort to increase recruitment inside Utah and around the U.S., and for agencies to promote career opportunities in law enforcement while showcasing all that the State of Utah has to offer.

More than 35 agencies spanning local and state organizations participated in Career Day, and over 500 individuals attended, primarily college and high school students exploring post-graduate opportunities in law enforcement.

The event also gained traction across statewide television, newspaper, and radio media outlets, drawing a viewing and listening audience of over 600,000 people.

After receiving positive feedback from attendees and the participating agencies, the Utah Chiefs of Police Association has decided to host its second career day this fall, to better accommodate college student schedules.

“Members of our team participated in the 2025 Find Yourself in Utah Career Day and had the opportunity to connect with some incredible individuals,” said Clearfield Police Chief Kelly Bennett. “One individual, in particular, made an immediate impression on our team. That connection led him to apply, and he was ultimately hired as a police officer. He has since successfully completed the field training program and is now proudly serving our community. We value events like this as an opportunity to engage with prospective candidates who are eager to serve communities like ours.”

WHEN:
Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WHERE:
Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST)

Salt Lake City Community College/Miller Campus

410 W 9800 South, Sandy UT 84070

HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
Interested attendees can register at https://findyourselfinutah.com/careerday-rsvp/ — this includes both individuals and school/college groups and career advisors wishing to bring a group of students. This is a free event!

Interested law enforcement agencies can also sign up to exhibit at https://findyourselfinutah.com/careerday-participation/

Career Day offers job seekers an opportunity to engage with law enforcement leaders and hiring managers across all aspects of policing, corrections, campus safety, large statewide agencies and small rural departments, as well as critical non-sworn opportunities that support public safety professionals such as administrative professionals and mental health clinicians.

To help potential job seekers gain a full understanding of the scope of opportunities available to them, including unique divisions within local law enforcement agencies, the event will feature:

• K9 search and rescue
• Drone operation
• Hands-on displays including patrol cars, all-terrain vehicles, and police e-bikes
• Police motorcycle demonstrations
• Face-to-face networking with recruiters, chiefs and supervisors from dozens of agencies statewide
• Local criminal justice programs at both the high school and college levels are encouraged to attend this event.

“Career Day is a demonstration of the commitment of law enforcement leaders across the state to address the hiring and recruitment issues law enforcement agencies are facing nationwide,” said Chief Brad Bishop, President of UCOPA and Chief of the Payson City Police Department. “Last year’s Career Day event resulted in strong police recruits turning into sworn officers, meeting our goal as an Association to hire the right people who are dedicated and committed to serving their communities. We are hopeful that we can continue toward this goal by continuing to provide opportunities to showcase policing in Utah as multi-faceted, allowing each attendee to connect with a pathway that meets their strengths and aspirations.”

More information will be shared on findyourselfinutah.com and the Find Yourself in Utah Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn pages as it becomes available.