SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - Warren Jeffs’ polygamy police force is now coming under fire.
A new bill is being written on Utah's Capitol Hill, one which could do away with the Hildale cops.
For several years, ABC 4 has led the way reporting on alleged police abuses in Southern Utah's polygamist community.
Now, Utah's Attorney General and key legislators may be getting ready to disband the polygamy police in Hildale, Utah.
Arizona's legislators have already given early approval to a similar bill, one disbanding the police force in Colorado City,
Arizona.
But those same marshals police Hildale, Utah.
So, Utah lawmakers are targeting alleged law breaking lawmen there.
ABC 4 began raising questions about Hildale's marshals years ago.
Like the time marshals forcibly removed a couple from their own land.
Now, finally, Utah legislators are paying attention too.
Sen. Curt Bramble, the bill’s sponsor, told ABC 4,
“Are they acting in the public's best interest in enforcing the law or are they using their position of authority for their own agenda?"
There was also the time marshals dug up another couple's front yard without a warrant.
Or the family farm that was vandalized while marshals reportedly stood by and did nothing.
And what did these 3 incidents have in common?
Well, the officers may be polygamists themselves and followers of FLDS leader Warren Jeffs.
Also, all 3 involved acts against non FLDS families.
As Senator Bramble puts is,
"I would think that the average Utah citizen would support the notion of law enforcement officers having to comply with the law."
Tuesday, at noon, the legislature hits its halfway point.
So, I asked Senator Bramble if there's enough time to get this bill passed.
He said,
"That's a good question."
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