Utah State Prison Orientation for Inmate Friends and Family
INTRODUCTION
This is an introductory booklet for the people whose friends or family members are sent to Prison by the Courts. Although you have seen movies about Prison life, you will find out that all Prisons are different. You need to know what to expect when dealing with the staff and Administration of the Utah State Prison. You also need to become familiar with what to expect should you decide to come out to the Prison for visiting or any other business. You may also want to know how to keep in touch and maintain ties with inmates while they are incarcerated. This booklet is written in an easy question and answer format and tries to answer most of the frequently asked questions. This booklet will also start to prepare you in your expectations and give you an understanding of how and why things are done the way they are. This booklet has sections that include general information, the Reception and Orientation unit (R&O), daily routines, inmate classification, telephone and other subjects. This booklet also includes the rules and regulations for visiting so you can read them before visiting Prison sites.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
| Q | Where do inmates live? |
| A | Inmates can live in one of the State's two Prison sites, or in one of several County jails that has qualified to house State inmates. Inmates are housed based on their gender, classification and security levels, employment status, and habilitative opportunities, as well as the facilities space availability and management issues. In most cases, inmates are not segregated because of their offense(s). The two Prison sites are the Utah State Prison in Draper, and the Central Utah Correctional Facility in Gunnison. The Draper complex consists of eight facilities: Lone Peak, Olympus, Oquirrh, Promontory, Special Services Dormitory (SSD), Timpanogos, Wasatch, and Uinta. The Gunnison complex consists of five facilities named Aspen, Birch, Cedar, Dogwood, and Gunnison. Most facilities have several housing units. The Inmate Placement Program (IPP) places inmates in the Beaver, Box Elder, Cache, Carbon, Daggett, Davis, Duchesne, Garfield, Grand, Kane, Millard, Sanpete, Sevier, San Juan, Summit, Uintah, Wasatch, and Washington county jails. In addition, a few inmates are placed in out-of-state prisons, Federal Correctional Facilities, and private correctional facilities through the Western Interstate Compact and the Interstate Corrections Compact.
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| Q | Who is in Charge? |
| A | The State Prisons are part of the Division of Institutional Operation of the Utah State Department of Corrections. Each complex has a Warden and Facility Deputy Wardens, and the housing unit within the facilities has a Captain and/or a Lieutenant. The complexes have a Watch Commander or Duty Officer on duty 24 hours a day. If calling or writing about a concern, you may be referred to one of these Administrators. Usually your concerns will be referred to the housing unit managers or caseworker. |
| Q | What do the caseworkers do for the inmates? |
| A | Caseworkers may be a contact person between inmates and their families or friends outside of Prison. Caseworkers also aid inmates through some of the processes inside the Prison. |
| Q | Will I be able to tour the prison? |
| A | Unfortunately, for safety and security reasons, the public cannot tour the Prisons. If you are on an inmate’s approved visiting list, you will be able to come onto Prison property to visit the inmate. Each facility has a designated visiting area. In addition, those interested can attend public awareness meetings in which inmates answer questions and talk about prison life. If you would like to attend a meeting, call (801) 576-7065 in Draper or (435) 528-6000 in Gunnison to make arrangements. |
| Q | How are the prisons cleaned? |
| A | The Utah State Prison is cleaned and maintained by inmate labor. Inmates are expected to clean their own personal areas. Inmate crews are paid to clean larger common areas. |
| Q | What is the food like at the prison? |
| A | The meals at the Prison are designed by a dietician to insure that daily nutritional values are met. The meals served are varied and well prepared. Most inmates will receive their meals on a thermo tray delivered to the housing unit. Other inmates may receive their meals in a cafeteria. |
| Q | What is the training of the officers employed at the prison? |
| A | Officers at the Utah State Prison are certified Correctional Officers and have Peace Officer authority. Their training consists of a 13-week Peace Officer Standard and Training course. Officers are required to complete an additional forty hours of training every year throughout their career. |
VISITING
| Q | Do inmates have the right to visitation? | ||||||||
| A | Visitation serves an important role in preserving the relationship between inmates and their families and friends. However, visitation is a privilege, not a right, and is subject to rules, regulations, and procedures (Appendix B). Inmates are not assigned to specific facilities for the convenience of visitation. | ||||||||
| Q | How do I get on an inmate's visiting list? | ||||||||
| A | The inmate you would like to visit starts the process by signing a visiting application and sending it to you. You can also get applications on line or from the Visiting Department. After you have returned your application to the visiting office, they will check for, an inmate signature, all appropriate documents and do a background. If the application doesn’t include the signature or documents or if you have a criminal history your application may be delayed or denied. If you are approved, your name will be placed on the inmate's visiting list. | ||||||||
| Q | How will I know if I am approved, and when I can visit? | ||||||||
| A | The inmate will be notified, and it is their responsibility to let you know that you have been approved and what time to visit. | ||||||||
| Q | Are children under 18 allowed to visit inmates? | ||||||||
| A | Minor children are only allowed to visit inmates when accompanied by their parent, legal guardian, or the minor’s grandparent or adult sibling possessing a notarized statement from the child’s parent or legal guardian. You will need to provide copies of birth certificates, and/or adoption documentation, and/or court documents establishing legal guardianship, and fill out a Minor Visitation Form prior to visitation. Some inmates may not be eligible to have minors on their visiting list. Please get with your inmate to find out if he/she has limitations. | ||||||||
| Q | How much information does the prison need to do a background check? | ||||||||
| A | The visitor application asks for your full name, previous names or aliases, date of birth, and street address, as well as copies of your Social Security card and driver license or state I.D. number. Depending on your specific circumstances, you may need to send your birth certificate, marriage certificate, or divorce decree to verify your relationship to the inmate. | ||||||||
| Q | How long does the process take? | ||||||||
| A | Usually it takes two to three weeks for approval once the request has been received by the Department of Corrections, however, it may take up to 45 days. |
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| Q | What can I do if my visit request has been denied? | ||||||||
| A | You can appeal to the Deputy Warden of Security in writing. Once they have reviewed it you will be notified in writing if your application is approved or denied. If your application is denied you can appeal to the Warden, the Warden's decision is final.
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| Q | If I have been on an inmate's visiting list in the past, do I have to reapply? | ||||||||
| A | All first time offenders and Parole Violators are given the opportunity to send visiting request forms to their family and friends while in R&O. Visitors for parole violators will either need to submit a renewal form (applies only if you’ve been on the list before and/or it’s been less than a year since the inmate was released). If you don’t meet that criteria, you will need to resubmit a visiting application with all the appropriate documents. All visiting files are reviewed and updated every year. If the inmate is released and does not return within a year, his/her visiting list is cleared. If you have voluntarily taken your name off an inmate’s visiting list, you must wait 90 days before you can reapply. | ||||||||
| Q | How do I find out the visiting schedule? | ||||||||
| A | Different facilities have different visiting schedules. Inmates can tell you when you can come out to visit. You may also call the facility where the inmate is housed to verify the schedule. An inmate's classification determines how long he/she can visit, or if he/she is eligible for visits.
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| Q | Is there a dress code? | ||||||||
| A | Yes. The complete dress code has been included in Appendix C. | ||||||||
| Q | Will I be searched when I go in to or out of the prison? | ||||||||
| A | As a condition of entering a secured facility, all staff, visitors, and business contractors coming onto prison property are subject to a search and inspection of their vehicles and property by officers or canine units. If you do not give consent to a search of your property, you will be denied entry and/or required to leave prison property. Officers search vehicles and property to ensure everyone's safety and to look for items that are not allowed inside the prison. Some items, such as tobacco and pepper spray, which are not illegal, are considered contraband inside the prison. Some other items not allowed on prison property include, but are not limited to, alcohol, explosive items, poisons, weapons and controlled substances. Any visitor who brings controlled substances onto prison property and attempts to give them to an inmate may be charged with a felony. When leaving prison property, your vehicle may be searched again. An officer will ask you to open the trunk of your car for a visual inspection.
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| Q | What will happen the first time I visit an inmate? | ||||||||
| A | During your first visit you will sign a consent form stating that you understand the rules and regulations of the prison and are willing to abide by them. You can request a copy of the rules from the officer or view them on line. | ||||||||
| Q | What can I bring to a visit? | ||||||||
| A | Visitors are not permitted to bring items of any kind to inmates. In some areas, visitors may bring coins to purchase soft drinks for consumption during the visit (please get with your inmate to find out if he/she is eligible). Visitors with infants or small children may bring one transparent bottle and two diapers. The facilities are tobacco free. Visitors are not permitted to bring cigarettes, cigarette lighters, matches, or any tobacco products into the facilities. When coming on prison property, you will be asked to provide identification – either a driver license or a State ID card – and to show the identification at several checkpoints while on prison property. You need to leave your purses and coats in your car. Prior to visiting, you will be asked to walk through a metal detector, which you must pass to visit. |
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| Q | What are the reasons I would not be able to visit with an inmate? | ||||||||
| A | You will be turned away from visiting for any of the following reasons: 1. You are not an approved visitor 2. You are visiting at the wrong time 3. You are not within dress standards 4. The inmate is locked down 5. The facility is locked down 6. You have violated a rule during a previous visit 7. You have litigation pending 8. You have an extensive criminal history 9. You are a crime partner or victim of the inmate 10. You are a former employee, volunteer, contractor, or student intern 11. You are under the influence of an illegal substance or intoxicated; or 12. The inmate is in the R&O unit. |
MAIL / COMMISSARY / PROPERTY
| Q | What items will be denied when sent to an inmate? | ||||||||||||
| A | Items and money instruments sent to inmates may be denied for the following reasons:
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| Q | How soon can I start sending an inmate letters? | ||||||||||||
| A | Inmates can start receiving mail as soon as they come to prison. | ||||||||||||
| Q | How do I address the envelope? | ||||||||||||
| A | The mailing address for an inmate is:
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| Q | What happens when inmates move to a different housing unit? | ||||||||||||
| A | The prison mailroom locates where an inmate has moved and forwards the mail. This means the mail may be delayed in getting to the inmate. | ||||||||||||
| Q | Can I send pictures in the mail? | ||||||||||||
| A | Inmates are allowed to have 25 photos in their possession. These pictures cannot be larger than 8x10, Polaroid, or be pornographic in nature. Inmates may be required to send some of the pictures out if they have an excess of the regulated quantity. Inmates may not possess photographs with their image on it. | ||||||||||||
| Q | Can inmates receive greeting cards? | ||||||||||||
| A | Yes. However, multi-layered cards are not allowed | ||||||||||||
| Q | Can I send an inmate a birthday or Christmas presents through the mail? | ||||||||||||
| A | No. Inmates are not allowed to receive packages in the mail unless prior authorization has been given. Authorization is usually for medical reasons. | ||||||||||||
| Q | How does an inmate buy books and magazines? | ||||||||||||
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Books can only be purchased through the inmate Commissary. An Initial Book Request form will go from the inmates, through UCI Commissary, to the book vendor who will confirm price and availability for the inmates. The books will be directly shipped from the vendor to the Mail/Property Unit for inspection and distribution. A family member/friend(s) may get a magazine subscription for the inmate.
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| Q | What is the inmate property matrix? | ||||||||||||
| A | The property matrix is a list of type and quantity of items that inmates can have in their possession. When officers find inmates who have an excess of an item such as photographs or hobby craft items, the inmates will be required to send them out. | ||||||||||||
| Q | How do I pick up an inmate's property? | ||||||||||||
| A | The inmate must first designate that you can pick up their property. To receive information or to inquire about the availability of an inmate's property please call: Draper Site: (801) 576-7951 or (801) 576-7952 CUCF Site: (435) 528-6111, (435) 528-6412, (435) 528-6413 The Draper Property Unit's hours are: Monday thru Thursday 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM Closed: Friday, Saturday, Sunday and HolidaysThe CUCF Property Unit's hours are: Monday thru Thursday 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM Closed: Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Holidays |
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| Q | What is Commissary? | ||||||||||||
| A | Commissary is a system through which inmates may purchase additional convenience items that they may be allowed to have. These items include personal hygiene items (different brands of shampoo, soap, etc.), writing materials and food items (candy bars, cookies, crackers, etc.). Inmates are also allowed to order approved clothing and hobby craft items. Inmates can order Commissary items once a week. | ||||||||||||
| Q | What if inmates cannot order what they want in Commissary? | ||||||||||||
| A | If the item is not in the Commissary, inmates cannot have it. Items available in Commissary are the only items allowed on the inmate's property matrix. The Prison provides all necessary items for an inmate who is incarcerated. | ||||||||||||
| Q | How can I send inmates money? | ||||||||||||
| A | Inmates may receive money via the telephone and the Internet with your credit card. TELEPHONE: 1-866-345-1884 $6.95 fee per transaction $300 per day limit INTERNET: www.accesscorrections.com $5.95 fee per transaction $300 per day limit |
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| Q | How can I drop off money for an inmate? | ||||||||||||
| A | A KIOSK is now available in the Visitor’s Control Center, which is the building located in the front of the Wasatch facility at Draper. At CUCF, it is located inside the main entrance to the facility. This KIOSK is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. THE KIOSK WILL NOT ACCEPT CHECKS OR MONEY ORDERS! The KIOSK will accept Debit or Credit Cards ($5.95 fee per transaction with a $300 limit) or will take cash ($4.00 fee per transaction with a $300 limit; no coins or $1 bills accepted, only $5 bills and larger will be accepted). Funds will not be accepted at Inmate Accounting. You will need to know the Inmate’s Name and Offender Number to process the depositing of funds to an account. Without this information, funds will not be accepted! State Inmates housed at county jails will have different processes to receive money on their accounts. Please check with the county jails for their processes.
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| Q | Is there another way for an inmate to get money? | ||||||||||||
| A | The prison's expectation is that all capable inmates work. Inmates who work are compensated at a rate of at least 40 cents per hour. Inmates get paid once a month and need to learn how to budget their money from month to month. | ||||||||||||
| Q | What happens to inmates who don't have money? | ||||||||||||
| A | Inmates who don't have money are considered indigent. The prison provides the inmate's basic needs of food, clothing, personal hygiene items and mail privileges. The only need for additional money is to purchase limited amenities and Commissary. | ||||||||||||
| Q | Are there any deductions taken from an inmate's account? | ||||||||||||
| A | Funds may be deposited to an inmate’s account through inmate employment. Payroll funds are deposited once a month for the previous month worked. Money may be removed from an inmates account for the following reasons:
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| Q | Should I put money on an inmate's book? | ||||||||||||
| A | Inmates are given everything they need while in prison. Bear in mind that inmates have the ability to work and earn money to buy things they want or to pay for fines, judgments or assessments such as DNA testing. By placing money on an inmate’s account you could be playing into a scam perpetrated by other inmates. Strong-arming and gambling are a real problem inside the institution. By allowing the inmate to be responsible for his/her own finances, he/she learns a valuable lesson about accountability and responsibility. Placing a small amount on their books during special occasions, such as Birthdays or Christmas, is acceptable, providing you don’t do it because it was solicited. NEVER, under any circumstances put money on the books of another inmate. If you are asked to place money on the books of another inmate, you can contact the Warden’s office for advice or assistance. |
HEALTH CARE
| Q | How soon are inmates seen by the medical department? |
| A | Inmates are given a medical screening the first day they come to prison. While in the R&O unit, inmates are given an option to have a complete physical examination by a qualified staff member from the clinical bureau. |
| Q | What can inmates do if they become depressed while in prison? |
| A | Depression and/or anxiety are common in prison. Inmates who feel they are suffering from depression or are having anxiety attacks can fill out a health request. Also, through an officer, caseworker, or health care worker request, inmates can have a mental health clinician see them. |
| Q | What happens to an inmate who has a physical disability? |
| A | The prison is mandated to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. The prison has developed inmate disability policies through which they can be considered under ADA. |
| Q | How do inmates get their medication? |
| A | Depending on the type of prescribed medication, an inmate may get a blister pack that contains medication for a certain time period that he/she can self-administer, or if the medications need to be more carefully monitored, inmates may attend pill line, which is held twice each day. |
| Q | How can inmates see a doctor? |
| A | Inmates who want to be seen by a doctor can fill out a sick call request form asking for an appointment. Sick call request forms are picked up every day and are evaluated by medical staff to determine which level of medical care is appropriate. The prison usually schedules two sick calls per day for each housing facility. The prison staff has been trained to evaluate medical emergency situations and to notify medical staff for appropriate medical care and follow up. |
| Q | What other medical care is available at the prison? |
| A | Inmates can receive dental care, eye care and mental health care while they are incarcerated. |
| Q | What happens if the prison's medical unit cannot care for an inmate? |
| A | The prison's Clinical Bureau has a contract with University of Utah Medical Center for the treatment of seriously ill inmates, who cannot be appropriately cared for at the prison infirmary.
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BOARD OF PARDONS
| Q | How do inmates get out of prison? | ||||||||||
| A | Release from prison can only be accomplished through an order of the court, an order by the Board of Pardons and Parole or by completing the entire sentence, as defined by statute (expiration of sentence). Once an offender has been committed to the prison, jurisdiction is transferred to the Board to determine length of sentence and the conditions upon which an offender shall be released. The Board can make the determination to release an offender on parole, terminate the sentence short of the statutory limit, or require full service of sentence.
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| Q | What is indeterminate sentencing? | ||||||||||
| A | In Utah, when an offender is sentenced to prison by the court, there is a statutory period of time set for each level of offense, such as 1-15 years. After sentencing, it is up to the Board of Pardons and Parole to determine, within that time frame, the length of time an offender will remain in prison. The Board will also decide conditions of release from custody, and whether an offender on parole should be returned to custody based on certain violations of parole. An offender remains under jurisdiction of the Board until he/she has served the statutory limits of parole, has expired his sentence, or is otherwise terminated by the Board. | ||||||||||
| Q | Who comprises the Board of Pardons and Parole? | ||||||||||
| A | Members of the Board of Pardons and Parole are appointed by the Governor with confirmation from the legislature. Members generally possess expertise in the areas of law, corrections and mental health. There are five full-time members of the Board and five part-time members. The Board is a separate entity from the Department of Corrections, and while they receive recommendations from the various departments within Corrections, decisions by the Board are an independent matter. Similarly, the Board has no direct authority over the various functions of the Department of Corrections. | ||||||||||
| Q | When does an offender appear before the Board of Pardons and Parole? | ||||||||||
| A | The following time frames have been established for offenders appearing before the Board for their first (original) hearing:
In cases where a death has occurred, regardless of degree of offense, the Board will review the case administratively to determine when the first hearing will be held. |
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| Q | How much time do inmates usually serve? | ||||||||||
| A | There is no “usual” amount of time an offender will serve. Each case is reviewed on an individual basis. The Board will consider the following factors in setting the length of sentence: the nature of the offense, prior criminal history, institutional progress, any mental health or psychological evaluations, recommendations from the sentencing judge and prosecutor, and letters from the victim, family and other interested parties. The goals of the Board in setting a release date are: 1) determining an appropriate sentence for the crime; 2) protecting the community and the victim from further harm or risk; and, 3) encouraging the habilitative efforts of the offender. The decisions require careful weighing of the information in determining what is best for all concerned. The Board utilizes guidelines designed to assist them in making a decision. However, the Board is not bound by these guidelines or any recommendations submitted to them in the process of gathering information on the offender. Board decisions are final and cannot be appealed.
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| Q | Can I attend a Board of Pardon's hearing? | ||||||||||
| A | All Board of Pardons and Parole hearings are open to the public. Anyone may attend as long as they are allowed on prison property. Current and former offenders may be denied access to such a hearing, as well as anyone who cannot produce a valid ID or has outstanding warrants. The news media is also allowed access to hearings of the Board. | ||||||||||
| Q | Can I speak on behalf of the inmate at the hearing? | ||||||||||
| A | No. The only individuals allowed to comment during a hearing are the offender and any victim(s) of record. If you have information you feel the Board should consider, you may submit such in written form to the Board prior to the hearing. | ||||||||||
| Q | Will I be permitted to visit with the inmate after the hearing? | ||||||||||
| A | Under specific circumstances, special visits may be granted. However, arrangements must be made in advance of the hearing or it will be denied. | ||||||||||
| Q | How do I learn more about the Board of Pardons? | ||||||||||
| A | You may contact the Board of Pardons and Parole at (801)-261-6464 or write them at the following address:
Web address: http://bop.utah.gov
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DAILY ROUTINES
| Q | What is a typical day for inmates? |
| A | Most level 3 and 4 inmates wake up between 6 and 7 a.m. Inmates are expected to have their cell clean, and their personal hygiene taken care of. Inmates are given an opportunity for breakfast and then are expected to go to their work or schooling assignment. Officers count the inmates between 11:00 a.m. and noon, and the inmates are offered lunch. After lunch, inmates are expected to return to their work or schooling assignment. If inmates do not have a work assignment, they will usually stay in their housing unit. Officers count the inmates again between 4 and 5 p.m., and then the inmates are offered dinner. In the evening, based upon their privilege matrix levels, inmates are either locked in their cells or permitted opportunity for leisure, recreation or therapy. The latest the inmates are allowed out is 10 p.m.
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| Q | What can inmates do in their free time for leisure activities? |
| A | Under specific conditions inmates have access to a variety of leisure time activities such as gymnasium, outdoor recreational yard, library, and rental television. The prison's recreation department schedules a variety of recreational games, competitions and tournaments. The recreational department also arranges different hobby craft classes. The prisons library system is part of the Utah State Library System. Inmates have access to most books that are available to people outside of prison. Inmates can lease a portable television from the prison at nominal cost. These televisions can only be heard on a headset, so other inmates are not bothered. Inmates can view movies at specific times and days on their television set.
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| Q | Where can inmates work? |
| A | Inmates can work in their housing unit or facility, outside the perimeter fence, or off prison property, depending on their classification level. There are clerical, culinary, grounds, janitorial, laundry, maintenance, manufacturing, and sewing, jobs available. |
| Q | What therapeutic opportunities are available? |
| A | The prison's programming unit offers many therapeutic opportunities such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, other substance abuse classes, sex-offender therapy, anger management, cognitive reconstructing, art/drawing classes, Bible study, and many other programs. Inmates have the responsibility to participate in therapeutic groups, especially if it is part of their Offender Management Plan. Their participation is considered by the prison for classification decisions, and by the Board of Pardons and Parole when determining the inmate release date. |
| Q | What type of religious counseling is available at the prison? |
| A | The religious needs of inmates at each facility are addressed through the Volunteer/Chaplain services program. There are full- and part-time chaplains who provide ministerial care to the entire prison community. They encourage inmates to stay in touch with their particular faith by offering pastoral counsel and guidance. Some of the religious groups represented are Episcopal, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, Southern Baptist, Jewish, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Native American. Religious volunteers may serve other groups. Religious and inspirational books are also available to inmates throughout the Prison's library system.
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TELEPHONES
| Q | How often can an inmate call me? |
| A | While assigned to the R&O unit an inmate may call once a week either on Saturday or Sunday. After the inmate moves to a different housing unit, it will depend upon the inmate's privilege matrix. In some units an inmate may make a 15-minute call once a day. |
| Q | Is there a charge for the telephone calls? |
| A | Yes. Calls made on the inmate housing telephones are collect calls. The charge is placed on your telephone bill. The telephone company regulates this charge. When you answer a telephone call, a recorded message will tell you that the call is coming from the prison and will ask you if you will accept the charge. The message will explain to you how to accept the charge. |
| Q | Are the telephone calls monitored? |
| A | Yes. Calls originating from the prison are subject to being monitored and recorded. For this reason, inmates are not allowed to have cell phones. When you accept a call, your consent is implied. |
| Q | How can I get an inmate to call me? |
| A | The purpose of telephone calls is to supplement written correspondence (writing a letter). The prison staff does not accept telephone messages for inmates. (In case of emergencies, staff will verify and evaluate the emergency first, before deciding whether to deliver the message.) Inmates, while on the R&O unit, fill out a telephone request form to have your telephone number approved. The form requests your name, address, telephone number and relationship to the inmate. Your telephone number is cleared through a computer system for the inmate to call you.
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| Q | Is there a way not to have an inmate call me? |
| A | You have three options:
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R&O UNIT / OFFENDER MANAGEMENT PLAN
| Q | What is the R&O Unit? |
| A | Inmates are housed in the R&O unit when they first enter the prison system. The purpose of the R&O unit is to intake, orient, and prepare the initial classification assessment, and Offender Management Plan (OMP) for all incoming inmates. Inmates are photographed, fingerprinted, as part of the identification process. Physical, Dental, and Mental Health examinations are conducted, and various tests are administered to detect physical or mental health problems. Inmates receive an orientation handbook that explains the rules of the prison, the Inmate Code of Conduct, and the different programs that are available. After the inmates' initial assessment, an appropriate housing assignment is found. |
| Q | What is OMP? |
| A | OMP is an abbreviation for Offender Management Plan. It is a written plan developed by the Division of Institutional Operations professional staff and the inmates. It identifies programming and work areas that could help inmates in making necessary changes in their life so they do not reoffend. OMP is a program used to track an inmate's programming and work from the time they enter the prison until they are released. OMP is also used as a driving force to determine the inmate's classification and privilege matrix. OMP is a voluntary program. |
| Q | How long are inmates in the R&O process? |
| A | Inmates who are in prison for the first time are assigned to the R&O unit for an average of 6-14 weeks. Inmates who have returned because of a parole violation may spend an average of 4-10 weeks. Inmates who have been in prison before and returned because of a new charge may spend an average of 8-16 weeks. After their initial assessment and OMP, inmates will wait for an appropriate housing to become available. |
| Q | Why does it take so long for a new inmate? |
| A | Newly committed inmates need to go through an evaluation and assessment process in order to be classified and assigned housing. Information is compiled from the courts, county jails, and Adult Probation and Parole to complete the assessment. |
| Q | Why is everything taken away when entering the R&O Unit? |
| A | To ensure safety and security of the prison, inmates are allowed only specific items. When inmates enter an R&O unit any property and clothing are taken and inventoried. The property is sent to a prison's property unit and held for 30 days to be mailed out, picked up by friends and family or donated to charity. |
| Q | Where does the inmate go after the R&O Unit? |
| A | Inmates are transferred to an appropriate facility based upon their classification.
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INMATE CLASSIFICATION
| Q | How are inmates classified? | ||||||||||||||||||
| A | Inmates are classified to place them in the proper housing unit and security level in an attempt to provide safety for the community, staff, and other inmates. Inmates are initially classified in the R&O unit. They are reviewed or reassessed for level changes at least once a year, or more often according to their projected release date. There are five levels of classification. Most inmates have a level 3 or 4 classification:
Officers also classify male inmates based on their personality type, which is determined by a combination of past records (behavior), observation, and the inmate's offense. Three categories are used:
Inmates are housed based on the total score of their classification, and housed accordingly. Inmates with the same personality type are housed together. Kappa and Sigma inmates are not housed together. However, some exception may be made for programming. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Q | What if an inmate disagrees with his/her classification? | ||||||||||||||||||
| A | Inmates may challenge a classification decision by completing a classification challenge form and submitting it to the Classification Review Officer (CRO). A challenge must be based on one or more of the following: 1) decision was based on insufficient or incorrect information, 2) procedures were not properly followed, or 3) the move to a less-secure classification jeopardizes the inmate’s safety or security. The Classification Review Officer’s decision is final.
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PRIVILEGE MATRIX / O.M.R
| Q | What is the privilege matrix? |
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| Q | Who reviews the inmate's privileges? |
| A | Each facility has an Offender Management Review (OMR) team who meet to look at the inmate's Prison accomplishments, and/or failures. The inmates and the OMR discuss issues of OMP compliance, noncompliance, education, mental health, prison work, abuse of leisure time, security, management/behavior issues, classification reassessments and privilege levels. |
| Q | What constitutes a privilege? |
| A | Privileges include everything from the number of visits and phone calls inmates can have; to how much out-of-cell time or yard time is allowed; to what time they are locked up each night; to how much money they can spend in the commissary; to what type of job they can have; to how they access education, programming, and religious volunteers; to finally, where they eat their meals.
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VICTIM RESTITUTION
| Q | Is the inmate responsible to pay a victim restitution? |
| A | Inmates need to understand that if they have a victim restitution obligation they need to pay the obligation as soon as possible. Failure to quickly pay the obligation will cause it to grow beyond the original amount because of the interest rate attached to the obligation. Overtime, the interest will exceed the original amount if no payments are made.
If an inmate has more than one victim restitution obligation, it is possible to have a different interest rate attached to each restitution. Prompt payments would reduce the amounts owed while non-payments would cause the obligations to increase. Generally, inmates pay victim restitution voluntarily while at the prison due to their limited funds. When they are released on parole the obligation becomes part of the parole agreement and is no longer voluntary. To keep this obligation manageable it is recommended that inmates make voluntary payments while at the prison.
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GRIEVANCE / DISCIPLINARY
| Q | How does an inmate file a complaint? |
| A | An inmate may file a complaint through the Prison's grievance process. This process allows the inmate to make an allegation of personal injury, loss or harm caused by the application or omission of a policy or practice by a staff member, inmate action, or incident. Administration's intent is to resolve grievances at the lowest possible Administrative level. Inmates cannot grieve parole procedures or decisions, disciplinary decisions, or classification decisions. There are other methods to challenge or appeal these decisions.
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| Q | What happens to an inmate who causes problems at the Prison? |
| A | Discipline and classification procedures are maintained to reasonably ensure the safety of inmates, staff and visitors/public. An inmate's expected conduct is spelled out in a document called the Inmate Code of Conduct. This "Code" is a list of do's and don'ts for the inmates while incarcerated. When inmates violate this code of conduct, an officer may issue a violation report or a disciplinary report. A hearing is conducted by an independent Inmate Disciplinary Hearing Officer (IDHO) who, while providing the inmate due process, hears the allegation and decides whether the inmate is guilty or not. If the decision is guilty, the Inmate IDHO will dispense an appropriate sanction. Sanctions may include a verbal reprimand, fines/restitution, additional cell confinement, or privilege restrictions. Inmates who have excessive disciplinaries may have their classification level and/or privilege matrix lowered. Another option is for the officer to make a referral to the inmate's OMR team to review the inmate’s behavior.
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INMATE PLACEMENT PROGRAM (IPP)
| Q | What is the Inmate Placement Program? | |||
| A | Because of the limited bed space at the Prisons, the Department of Corrections has contracted with County jails to house State inmates. Currently about 1200 State male and female inmates are housed in County jails throughout the State. Counties provide much of the same programming offered at the prison, and give the inmate an opportunity to be closer to family resources. The Inmate Placement Program also houses a limited number of inmates in other State facilities, private correctional facilities, and Federal correctional facilities.
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| Q | Whose rules do the inmates in the Inmate Placement Program follow? | |||
| A | Inmates are subject to the policies and procedures, telephone, commissary, visiting privileges, grievance, and disciplinary processes of the contract facility where they are housed. | |||
| Q | Who do the inmates talk to if they have a problem? | |||
| A | Inmates should discuss their day-to-day problems concerning incarceration with their housing unit officers at their current location. IPP staff will see the inmate for an initial orientation within 30 days of them arriving at the facility, and are at the county jails routinely to meet with inmates who have various issues or questions.
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| Q | If an inmate is a citizen of another country, can they serve their prison time here? | |||
| A | According to State and Federal law an inmate can apply to serve his Prison time in his/her native country. However, there are statutory restrictions. The process is lengthy and the requested country must belong to the treaty convention before an application can be made. The inmate may obtain an application from his/her caseworker. | |||
| Q | How does an inmate apply to go to a county jail? | |||
| A | In R&O the inmate is screened for eligibility by the unit Captain. Once moved to main population the inmate must speak with his caseworker about a referral. Writing to IPP will not get you a referral.
Family may contact IPP at the following address and phone number.
801-545-5558 Family/Friends with inmates housed in county jails may contact the facility for specific information or for questions related to the operations of that specific facility. Contact information with all County Jails in Utah is provided on the Utah Sheriff’s Association website at: www Utahsheriffs.org.
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| Q | What is an Offender Management Plan (OMP)? | |||
| A | Based on various assessments that are conducted in Receiving & Orientation an Offender Management Plan (referred to as OMP or MAP) is formulated for offenders to follow during their incarceration. | |||
| Q | Are there educational services at the prison? | |||
| A | South Park Academy of the Canyons School District provides educational opportunities for offenders. Each offender is screened and tested when they first enter prison to determine their individual educational needs. Offenders are mapped into the appropriate educational tracks where they can make the most educational gains and increase their skills during their incarceration. Literacy: The Literacy program provides offenders with an opportunity to improve reading skills, reading comprehension, and math skills. G.E.D.: Offenders that do not have enough time to earn a high school diploma while incarcerated are encouraged to participate in the GED program. High School: South Park Academy uses an "open enrollment" and offenders may enter the school program at anytime. Students work specifically on the credits they need to earn their high school diploma. Vocational Technical Programs: Davis Applied Technology College offers a variety of vocational programs for both male & female offenders. Courses offered include Automotive and related technology, Industrial Maintenance, Office Technologies, Machining, and Culinary Arts. These programs culminate with the student receiving Certificates of Skill Competency. Registration & Information: For more information on the programs listed above and registration requirements write or call South Park Academy or DATC at the following offices: South Park Academy Oquirrh Office: 576-7275 South Park Academy Promontory Office: 576-8252 South Park Academy Timpanogos Office: 576-7978 South Park Academy Uinta Office: 576-7319 South Park Academy Wasatch Office: 576-7067 Davis Applied Technology College Draper Office: Wasatch Facility ~
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| Q | Is there job placement and assistance? | |||
| A | Most inmates that are capable of working will be asked to do so while incarcerated. The job can be either a volunteer or paid position. This is not program related, but it helps keep offender busy and productive. The Programming Department also provides a Work Force Services Workshop to offenders prior to parole to assist them in preparing for interviews & finding jobs upon release. | |||
| Q | What about life-skills services and cognitive training? | |||
| A | The Draper Facility offers offenders numerous life skills classes and programs to help promote growth and the skills necessary to promote personal change. Some of the classes offered are Thinking for a Change, Thinking Errors, Anger Management, Impact of Crime, Parenting, Interpersonal Communication, Financial Literacy, and Computer Literacy. Registration & Information: For more information on the programs listed above and registration requirements write the Education specialists at the appropriate facility or call them at 576- 7812. |
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| Q | Are there spiritual development programs? | |||
| A | Offenders at the Draper Site, Utah State Prison, represent more than two-dozen different religions, including most varieties of Christian denominations and Pagan, Hindu, Islam, Wicca and so forth. In order to meet each offender's religious educational and spiritual needs, a variety of activities, programs, and services are provided. Chaplains provide offenders with ecclesiastical counseling and non-denominational services. Programs available for offender participation are worship services; scripture study courses, religious educational courses, choir, prayer services, religious-based addiction recovery groups, (LDS) Family Home Evening groups, (LDS) Family History Center, (Native American) Sweat Lodge and Pipe ceremonies, In-cell Study courses and Sidda Yoga Meditation. Inmates, in particular inmates in Reception and Orientation, may request a variety of religious materials including: Bibles (many different editions), copies of the Book of Mormon, religious commentaries, and inspirational materials. Contact Information: For more information on Religious Programs call or write to the various facilities: Religious & Volunteer Services Office – Timpanogos Facility: 576-7817, 576-7820, or 576-7823 Oquirrh Chapel – Chaplains Office: 801-576-7276 Timpanogos Chapel – Chaplains Office: 801-576-7806 Uinta Chaplain’s Office - 801-576-7313
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| Q | Do the inmates have access to library services? | |||
| A | The mission of the Utah State Prison Draper Site Libraries is to provide high quality library services and materials for an underserved population of incarcerated individuals. Library services to the inmate population are provided according to their classification and privilege level, as well as their housing assignment. The libraries in each of the facilities attempt to function as small public libraries. Reading materials available in the libraries range from wide interest level with low vocabulary skills to college level and technical books. | |||
| Q | Do inmates have recreational activities? | |||
| A | The Recreation Unit provides both unstructured recreational activities, and structured activities such as classes, tournaments, leagues, and special events. Depending upon the facility, inmates have access to softball, basketball, handball, tennis, racquetball, weight training equipment, cardiovascular training equipment, table tennis, billiards, speed bag, heavy bag, volleyball, horse shoes, and various games and puzzles. Inmates also have use of their yards for walking and jogging. |
CONCLUSION
Our Web address is corrections.utah.gov. We hope that this guidebook is useful for you and has answered any questions that you have about the prison system. We hope that this guide will also show you what happens to an inmate while in prison. |
APPENDIX A - County Jail Addresses and Telephone Numbers
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APPENDIX B - Visitor Rules and Regulations
The Visitor has the responsibility of reading visiting rules, which are available on the UDC web page or through the visiting department. Not all the rules for visiting are listed below. There may be area's that have additional rules and procedures.
Visiting Regulations:
General Visitor Rules:
Visitor Conduct:
Visitor Dress Standard:
Processing Visitors Entering Visiting Area:
General Visiting Times and Duration:
Level I and Level II Inmate Visiting:
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APPENDIX C - Visiting Dress Code
The following types of clothing shall not be allowed:
The following items are considered contraband and are not allowed in the visiting areas:
NOTE: Please do not bring any of the above items into the institution, as the officers in visiting are not responsible for any items.
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APPENDIX D - Sample Visitor Consent Form
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