TVPD Victim Advocate Merari Lopez recently was honored with congressional recognition in a ceremony at the Utah State Capitol. The Hispanic Heritage Congressional Recognition ceremony was hosted by Utah Congressman Burgess Owens’ office, which presented Lopez with a certificate of special congressional recognition for her "outstanding and invaluable service to the community.” 

Taylorsville volunteer Elsa Elizondo also was recognized at the Sept. 30 ceremony for her ongoing efforts over years to lead a team of volunteers in picking up trash along Taylorsville freeways and roads. Lopez has led the Police Department’s victim advocate program since TVPD’s inception on July 1, 2021, building it up from startup. 

"Merari is truly caring of those she is serving and always goes above and beyond to help anyone in need,“ Chief Cottam said.

Employee of the Month 

Congratulations to Det. Jensen, TVPD’s latest Employee of the Month! Prior to joining TVPD, Det. Jensen served as an officer with the West Valley City Police Department. He has nearly 20 years of law enforcement experience and holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.  

Det. Jensen currently serves as a detective in TVPD’s Directed Enforcement Unit, in addition to being assigned to the Utah Crimes Against Statewide Economy (CASE) unit where he has built partnerships with local retailers to combat organized retail crime. His strategic initiatives, including retail blitz operations, have led to multiple arrests and the recovery of stolen property. 

A recent example involved the successful interception of a major theft operation. During the investigation, $5,000 in stolen iPads were recovered, and two suspects were arrested and linked to thefts at nine Target stores across the Wasatch Front. Shortly after, detectives stopped three vehicles connected to a Romanian theft ring selling counterfeit Apple products. Two garbage bags full of fake phones and earbuds, along with $1,300 cash were recovered. Some suspects were flagged by the FBI as members of an organized crime group. We are extremely grateful for the hard work of all the officers who assisted with this case.  

Recently, Det. Jensen also secured the donated use of LiveView Technologies’ (LVT) mobile surveillance cameras, which have been instrumental in preventing crime and identifying suspects within Taylorsville. These cameras have been deployed in retail spaces, parks, neighborhoods, apartment complexes and trailheads. Additionally, he has garnered significant community support, including a $5,000 public safety grant from TJX Companies Inc. and other valuable donations from Home Depot. These donations will be used to enhance public safety throughout Taylorsville.  

When Det. Jensen is not at work, he enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, baseball, sports and trying new restaurants as a “foodie.” Thank you, Det. Jensen, for your service and dedication to law enforcement and for choosing to be a part of Team Taylorsville.