Vernal PD

06/16/2026

Recently, our officers worked dedicated shifts focused on E-Bike laws and safety education throughout the community.

No citations were issued during these efforts. Officers used this as an opportunity to educate riders and local businesses that sell E-Bikes about current laws.

Our goal is to promote safe riding habits and help ensure everyone can enjoy our community safely.

06/15/2026

Reminder: This is today. Take advantage of this great opportunity to learn how to identify and protect yourself from fraud and scams.

Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and fraud can affect people of all ages. We have seen a significant impact on older adults in our community, making education and awareness more important than ever.

Join us for an FBI Fraud Presentation to learn how to recognize common scams and protect yourself and those you care about.

Date, time, and location information can be found on the flyer below.

06/08/2026

Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and fraud can affect people of all ages. We have seen a significant impact on older adults in our community, making education and awareness more important than ever.

Join us for an FBI Fraud Presentation to learn how to recognize common scams and protect yourself and those you care about.

Date, time, and location information can be found on the flyer below.

06/03/2026

Interested in a career in law enforcement? Contact UBTech for more information about the local Police Academy program.

To Protect and Serve Peace officers are a valuable part of any community. The POST satellite academy provides training in three areas: Special Functions Officer, Basic Corrections Officer, and Law Enforcement Officer. Each certificate provides the cadet with the training for a specific peace officer...

05/18/2026

Over the weekend, the Vernal Police Department and the Uintah County Sheriff's Office, in collaboration with several partnering agencies, conducted operations during a motorcycle rally held in Vernal.

We are aware of public discussion regarding enforcement efforts during this event. We encourage everyone to recognize the distinctions between a motorcycle club and a "one-percent" motorcycle gang. The group involved in this event was identified as a one-percent motorcycle gang, and our operations remained focused on lawful enforcement and public safety throughout the weekend.

During the event, law enforcement conducted multiple traffic stops for observed violations. These stops resulted in arrests for firearm offenses, multiple DUI offenses, drug offenses, and other violations.

Our primary goal was to ensure a safe weekend for residents, visitors, and event attendees. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of all involved agencies, the weekend concluded safely. We appreciate the community's ongoing cooperation and support.

04/28/2026

Beginning this week, the Vernal Police Department, in partnership with the Utah Highway Safety Office, will have officers working dedicated shifts focused on pedestrian safety at crosswalks.

As summer approaches, this is a great time to refocus on watching for pedestrians and keeping safety in mind at all crosswalks. Let’s kick off summer with a strong focus on safety.

Utah Crosswalk Law:

🔹 Striped crosswalks:
When a pedestrian is in a striped crosswalk, drivers must stop and remain stopped until the pedestrian is completely out of the crosswalk. That means the person must be fully across and no longer in the crosswalk before you proceed.

🔹 Solid / unmarked crosswalks (usually at intersections):
These are still legal crosswalks. Drivers must yield to pedestrians. You may proceed once the pedestrian has crossed your direction of travel and is no longer in the lane you are driving in.

04/28/2026

In reference to the recent social media post by Uintah County regarding the Vernal City Police Department investigation into voter fraud, we would like to clarify the following:

This investigation pertains to signatures collected for Proposition Four voter redistricting, not to any current local county elections.

On February 13, our office was contacted by Uintah County regarding suspected election fraud. During the investigation, the assigned detective determined there was probable cause to believe that 40-year-old Chadwick Kluttz, of North Carolina, had been in the Vernal area gathering signatures and had fraudulently placed signatures on petition packets.

Mr. Kluttz had left the State of Utah at the time this determination was made, and felony warrants were subsequently issued for his arrest. He has since been arrested in North Carolina and, in accordance with North Carolina law, was released. Our office has been in communication with authorities there and is working to have him returned to Vernal to face these charges.

04/23/2026

Reminder: The Uintah County Sheriff's Office is hosting a DEA Drug Take Back Event this Saturday-see details below.

This Saturday, April 25, from 10 AM to 2 PM, we’ll be at Walmart in the parking lot for the DEA Drug Take Back event!

Check your medicine cabinets and bring any expired or unused prescriptions for proper disposal. It’s a simple step that can help prevent misuse and keep our community safe.

04/02/2026

IMPORTANT: OPEN BURNING RESTRICTION IN EFFECT

Due to current and forecasted weather conditions, extremely dry vegetation, and elevated fire danger throughout Uintah County, a Fire Restriction Order (Resolution #2026-05) has been issued by the Uintah Fire District.

No open burning (spring burn window) is permitted from April 2 through May 31, 2026.

Burning is only allowed in:
• Established fire facilities in approved campgrounds or day-use areas on public lands
• Permanently constructed fire pits at private residences with pressurized running water

This restriction applies to all areas within Uintah County, including Vernal City.

The order was formally adopted by the Uintah Fire District and signed by Vernal City Councilmember Robin O’Driscoll on April 1, 2026. (No, this isn't a late April Fool's joke.)

These measures are in place to help prevent wildfires and protect our community, property, and natural resources. Violations may be subject to enforcement under state and local law.

For questions, please contact the Uintah Fire District at 435-781-6755.

We appreciate your cooperation in keeping Vernal safe.

03/13/2026

March 13, 2026

The Vernal City Police Department is currently in possession of unclaimed property held in excess of 90 days, for which ownership is undetermined or we have not been able to contact the owner. Please see attached property list.

If you believe you are the owner of any items listed, please contact Administrative Assistant Kim Boren at (435) 789-5835.

Pursuant to Utah State Code 77-11d-105, if the property is not claimed by April 1, 2026, it will either be destroyed or sold at auction.

Thank you.