Wasatch County Sheriff Jared Rigby is poised to usher in a new era of transparency and community engagement as he sets his sights on 2026. Having served as sheriff for two terms, Rigby recognizes the challenges the Wasatch County Sheriff's Office faced in 2025, marked by public scrutiny and an investigation into its operations. Following serious allegations of misconduct and mismanagement, Rigby is determined to rebuild trust and strengthen relationships with both the community and county officials. In March 2025, the Wasatch County Council was alerted to a series of public safety issues within the Sheriff’s Office, prompting them to initiate an independent investigation led by retired Third District Court Judge Richard McKelvie. The investigation sought to address claims of favoritism, retaliation, and misuse of county resources. Although the final report, released in September, concluded that no illegal activities or gross mismanagement were found, it did highlight significant shortcomings in office operations and culture. McKelvie's findings drew from extensive interviews with current and former employees of the Sheriff’s Office, as well as discussions with other law enforcement personnel. While the report may have cleared Rigby and his office of serious legal violations, it painted a troubling picture of workplace dynamics, suggesting an urgent need for reform. In response, Rigby has proactively sought ways to address these issues and improve the overall functioning of the department. Since the report's release, Rigby has made strides to facilitate better communication with the Wasatch County Council. In December 2025, he proposed quarterly meetings between council members and Sheriff’s Office personnel, aiming to foster dialogue and cooperation on public safety matters. "It’s not just about achieving generic goals, but about tackling real issues that affect our community right now," Rigby stated. His focus remains on building relationships of trust, both within the Sheriff’s Office and the broader community. Rigby has also emphasized the importance of follow-up in law enforcement. He believes that keeping citizens informed about ongoing investigations is essential to fostering a sense of engagement and trust. "We want to ensure that community members feel connected and informed about their cases, even if there are no new updates to share. Communication is key," he explained. To address the findings from the investigation, the Sheriff’s Office has implemented several recommendations, including the monitoring of community feedback regarding the services provided. Rigby has made it clear that understanding public sentiment is crucial for improving performance. "We want to gauge how our community partners feel about our services and how we can improve," he said. In an effort to improve inter-agency collaboration, Rigby has proposed quarterly meetings with law enforcement agencies across the Wasatch Back. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance cooperation, as highlighted in McKelvie’s report. Rigby believes that stronger relationships with neighboring law enforcement agencies will lead to more effective policing and improved public safety outcomes. Additionally, to bolster accountability within the Sheriff’s Office, Wasatch County has hired a professional standards director, Kurt Cottrell, who will oversee departmental operations. This move was made in response to concerns over internal oversight and the need for an impartial review process. Councilor Spencer Park recommended that the director be an outsider to ensure objectivity and independence in evaluations. Furthermore, retired Washington City Police Chief Jim Keith has been brought on temporarily to provide an external perspective on operations and help identify areas for improvement. Rigby’s commitment to his staff is equally evident. He aims to enhance employee morale and professional development through tailored training and mentoring programs. “We are dedicated to providing our employees with the resources and support they need to excel in their roles,” Rigby emphasized. By focusing on individualized development plans, he hopes to empower his team and address any professional needs that may have previously gone unmet. As Sheriff Rigby looks toward 2026, his vision is clear: to foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and community engagement within the Wasatch County Sheriff's Office. His proactive measures in response to the investigation underscore a commitment to change, aiming to restore public trust and create a more effective law enforcement agency. With the implementation of quarterly meetings, community feedback mechanisms, and professional development initiatives, Rigby is setting a foundation for a more collaborative and responsive law enforcement environment in Wasatch County. The road ahead may be challenging, but Rigby's dedication to improving the Sheriff's Office and enhancing relationships within the community appears steadfast and resolute.