Rob Wilkinson

Rob Wilkinson was named Chief of the Training Division for the Utah Department of Corrections in 2026. He brings a wealth of knowledge related to training, firearms and tactics. Wilkinson will lead the initiative to make UDC the best trained correctional agency in the country.

Wilkinson started his law enforcement career in 2004 with the Department of Public Safety, with his first assignment working in Salt Lake County. He worked the high call volume demands of the county and was a field training officer.

In early 2007, he was selected to serve as a member of Governor Jon M. Huntsman's personal security detail, working daily with the Governor and first family.

After Governor Huntsman's appointment as ambassador to China, Wilkinson took the team leader position in the Department of Public Safety's Special Emergency Response Team, where he served as a member for 18 years until joining the Department of Corrections.

During his time he developed and implemented training curriculum for SWAT members; planned, coordinated and carried out high risk warrants on violent criminals; and enhanced working relationships with city, county, state and federal partners.

Following his time as team leader, he was a field supervisor back in Salt Lake County where he first started his career, working with new-hires and field training officers. He worked to help establish the peer support team within DPS during this time. In addition to this he helped create policy and operating procedures for the developing DPS Aero Bureau, serving as a tactical flight officer and hoist operator. Wilkinson is an IACP certified Leadership in Police Organization instructor.

Wilkinson was the DPS firearms coordinator and armorer, developing and implementing cutting edge training and equipment that enhanced the effectiveness and survivability of state troopers. 

For the last 18 months, he has been captain of the UDC's Firearms Training Unit, which has been able to provide many great and valuable training programs to its staff. 

He has a bachelor degree in Accounting and minor in Mandarin Chinese from Utah State University. He has been faithfully supported through all these years by his wife Heather and three children.