The UPD is an interlocal civilian law enforcement agency in Salt Lake County, Utah and serves the cities of Magna, Kearns, Midvale, Holladay, and Millcreek.

It assumed the policing responsibilities and jurisdictions previously held by the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office.

[1] In 2023, the Utah State Legislature passed HB374, a bill which removed the elected sheriff as Unified Police's chief executive officer.

Effective July 1, 2024, the Salt Lake County Sheriff exited the Unified Police, and re-established its own law enforcement bureau, responsible for policing the unincorporated areas of Salt Lake County as well as perform other duties as required by state law.

UPD continues to operate, effectively as it has previously, while no longer being associated with the Salt Lake County sheriff.