In a significant development for the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, Jon Evans has been appointed as the new chief deputy, becoming a pivotal figure in the department under Sheriff Kacey Bates. Evans, a native of Summit County, brings over 17 years of experience in law enforcement to his role, which positions him as an essential partner in shaping the future of policing in the area. His appointment is seen as a strategic move to enhance community relations and improve inmate rehabilitation programs. Evans, who graduated from Park City High School in 1999, has had a long-standing passion for law enforcement. He began exploring this path early on, participating in ride-alongs with the Park City Police Department and the Sheriff’s Office, which helped solidify his commitment to serving his community. “I love to help people, and it takes a community,” Evans said, expressing his gratitude for the environment that shaped him. “This community raised me, and this is my way to give back to them by serving them and enforcing the laws of the state and the county.” After completing his studies in criminal justice and sociology at Weber State University, Evans joined the Summit County Sheriff’s Office in 2009 as a corrections officer. His career progressed steadily; he transitioned to a patrol deputy and was promoted to sergeant in 2018. For the past several years, Evans has worked closely with Sheriff Bates, first overseeing the jail operations while she served as a lieutenant, and later stepping into her shoes as she advanced to chief deputy under former Sheriff Frank Smith. Now, with Bates having ascended to the sheriff position, Evans has been appointed as her second-in-command. In his new role, Evans will oversee the daily operations of the Sheriff’s Office, with a focus on fostering a collaborative environment among deputies and staff. “I run the day-to-day operations of the office, so everything falls on my shoulders,” he explained. His collaborative approach is evident in his work with Bates, as they share a unified vision for the office. “We have the same vision,” Evans noted, emphasizing their commitment to enhancing mental health resources and developing programs to combat substance abuse among the incarcerated population. One of Evans’ key initiatives is to improve access to mental health resources for those in custody, aiming to address the root causes of criminal behavior. “We want to treat the underlying issue so you’re successful when you leave,” he asserted. This proactive approach seeks to reduce recidivism by equipping individuals with the tools and support they need to reintegrate successfully into society. Evans has played a crucial role in establishing innovative programs like the Summit County Drug Court Program, which helps offenders with substance use challenges by providing mental health and treatment resources. Participants in the program are closely monitored by probation officers to ensure they stay on track and avoid relapse. Successful graduates often see their charges reduced or dismissed, demonstrating the program's effectiveness. In addition to the Drug Court Program, Evans has recently initiated an intensive outpatient program aimed at state inmates. This six-month program includes one-on-one therapy, group sessions, and homework assignments, geared towards providing inmates with comprehensive support during their reintegration process. “It’s something we believe will help them be successful when they leave here,” Evans stated. During his tenure, Evans has observed a significant increase in cases related to mental health issues, which he attributes to broader societal changes. He and Bates are dedicated to addressing these challenges through targeted programming and community engagement. “We’ve ticked more toward neighborhood-oriented policing,” he explained, highlighting the Sheriff’s Office’s efforts to foster a more approachable and friendly atmosphere. This shift aims to break down barriers between law enforcement and the community, ensuring that residents feel comfortable engaging with deputies. Evans’ leadership style is characterized by a commitment to open communication and collaboration. He encourages deputies to address him by his first name, fostering a culture of approachability within the office. “We don’t necessarily need to be on the same sentence, but we need to be on the same page,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of shared goals in achieving effective policing. As Evans steps into his new role as chief deputy, he is poised to make a significant impact on the Summit County Sheriff’s Office. His focus on community engagement, mental health resources, and innovative rehabilitation programs reflects a progressive approach to law enforcement that prioritizes both public safety and the well-being of individuals in the criminal justice system. With the support of Sheriff Bates and a dedicated team of officers, Evans is committed to leading the Sheriff’s Office into a new era of community-oriented policing.