Chris Burbank

Chief Chris Burbank serves as a Law Enforcement Strategy Consultant for the Center for Policing Equity (CPE).  He has been involved with CPE since its inception, utilizing their research capability at the height of the immigration debate and supporting the organization’s efforts throughout the country. He is an unwavering advocate of the National Initiative and Justice Database as solutions to waning public trust and confidence in policing.

Chris was with the Salt Lake City Police Department from 1991 until his retirement in June 2015. He was appointed to the position of Chief of Police in March 2006, becoming the 45th Chief of the department.  During his nine-year tenure as Chief, he distinguished himself as progressive and innovative, influencing not only the City of Salt Lake but also the profession.

In January 2013, Chris was selected as one of six police chiefs in the nation to meet with President Barack Obama to discuss the administration’s plan and direction concerning gun violence in America.  He was recognized in June 2013 by the Utah National Guard with their annual Minuteman Award for contributions to the wellbeing of the State of Utah. In 2014, Chris was selected as a member of the “Enlightened Fifty” most influential leaders in the State of Utah. 

Chris has been an outspoken opponent to the cross deputization of police officers as immigration enforcement agents.  He has participated in several national conferences regarding the issue, including the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division’s 2009 Title VI Conference.  In May 2010, Chris and nine other Police Chiefs met with Attorney General Eric Holder regarding Arizona immigration laws. He has addressed the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary regarding racial profiling and civil rights issues.  

Chris was chosen by the Salt Lake Tribune as Utahn of the Year for 2011.  The state’s largest newspaper cited his handling of several high profile protest incidents and stated, “Burbank’s stature as a community leader, including a willingness to endure threats and criticism over his position on immigration enforcement, is noteworthy at a time of ebbing confidence in those elected to govern.” 

Chris is the Past First Vice President of the Major Cities Chiefs Association, an assembly of the 75 largest policing agencies in the United States and Canada. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from the University of Utah and is a graduate of the FBI’s National Executive Institute.