Legally Speaking

Rapid DNA Testing

Detectives at the Utah Attorney General’s Office have been using a crime-fighting tool called ‘Rapid DNA’ to solve crimes. The technology takes a sample of DNA from a crime scene and compares it to DNA of a suspect. This can be skin, blood, hair, saliva, fingernails, or fingerprints.  We speak with Assistant Chief of Investigations Nate Mutter for more on how it works.

The Creation of Safe UT with Missy Larsen

SafeUT is a ground-breaking phone application that gives students, educators, and parents a way to connect with licensed counselors and report any safety issues they may encounter. This life-saving app is in use thanks to the leadership of the AGO’s former chief of staff, Missy Larsen. She talks about how SafeUT went from an idea to a real-time anti-bullying, anti-suicide, pro-school safety resource. 

Catalytic Converter Theft

A new crime is on the rise... Catalytic Converter Theft. Catalytic Converters are being stolen from underneath cars, costing affected Utahns thousands of dollars. Our Assistant Chief of Investigations discusses the issue and what you can do to protect your automobile. 

Utah Treasurer Marlo Oaks on ESG

You may have read or heard strong opinions about ‘ESG’ in the news this year. What is it? And why is the State of Utah involved in a legal battle about it? As Utah’s official law firm, our attorneys are participating in Utah’s stand against Environmental Social Governance (ESG), based on its potential effect on taxpayers and the financial health of our state. In this episode, we ask State Treasurer Marlo Oaks about the fundamentals of ESG. 

VirTra Law Enforcement Training

The shooting of a citizen by a police officer is rare, but when it happens it’s devastating to a community. In Utah, police integrity is taken very seriously, and so is training. The Attorney General’s office is doing its part, using VirTra, a law enforcement training tool that trains officers by simulating difficult, real-life situations in an immersive setting. Scott Carver, the AG’s Director of Training speaks about VirTra and its effectiveness in this edition of Legally Speaking.

Internet Crimes Against Children

The Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) investigates and prosecutes individuals who use the internet to exploit children. In this episode, Rich Piatt talks to ICAC Special Agent Sete Aulai about the signs that indicate a child or teen is being exploited, how parents can help prevent these situations, ICAC's new social media accounts, and what is causing the growing number of internet crimes against children.

Child Protection

Richard Piatt Speaks with Carol Verdoia from our Child Protection Division on the Uniform Unregulated Child Custody Transfer Act, a law that is designed to protect children. 

About Sean Reyes

Meet Utah Attorney General Sean D. Reyes. In this episode, AG Reyes speaks with Richard Piatt about his upbringing and path to law school. You'll hear about the experiences that have shaped AG Reyes into who and where he is now.