Karen Tapahe portrait

Karen Tapahe
Public Information Officer 
[email protected]
1.801.560.7608

Welcome to the Utah Department of Corrections press shop. Here you can stay up-to-date on press releases, blog posts and more communication coming directly from our office.

UDC News

Featured image for “Update About Quarterly Packages For Incarcerated Individuals”
January 7, 2026

Update About Quarterly Packages For Incarcerated Individuals

We would like to provide an update regarding the delivery of 4th Quarter packages. While we understand many look forward to these arriving around the holidays, please keep in mind that the 4th Quarter cycle is a standard quarterly window and not a specific holiday service. The ordering window closed on December 4th, and the vendor shipments arrived at our
Featured image for “New Mailing System Coming January 5”
December 21, 2025

New Mailing System Coming January 5

To improve communication efficiency, safety, and reliability, the Utah Department of Corrections is moving to a new mail system for incarcerated individuals. Effective January 5, 2026, all personal (non-legal) mail will be processed and delivered directly by UDC mail processing centers, replacing the current third-party service. To ensure proper delivery, beginning January 5, 2026, all incoming mail must be sent to the
Featured image for “Inmate Ralph L. Menzies Passes Away”
November 26, 2025

Inmate Ralph L. Menzies Passes Away

The Utah Department of Corrections (UDC) is notifying the public that inmate Ralph L. Menzies passed away from presumed natural causes at a local hospital at 1:45 p.m. today, November 26, 2025. He was 67 years old at the time of his death. The Department issued this public notification after contacting Mr. Menzies’ next of kin, and the family of
Featured image for “UDC Hosting Family Orientation Gathering Sept. 11”
August 18, 2025

UDC Hosting Family Orientation Gathering Sept. 11

The Utah Department of Corrections is hosting a Family Orientation gathering at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, September 11, 2025, at the Fred House Academy, 14727 Minuteman Drive, Draper. The seminar is for everyone, from those who recently had a loved one incarcerated to Join us for an important discussion and stay informed about our community initiatives. A wide range of topics
Featured image for “UCI commissary offering Package Program in February”
February 3, 2025

UCI commissary offering Package Program in February

The Utah Quarterly Package Program runs from February 1 through February 28, 2025, offering family and friends the chance to send care packages to inmates. By utilizing the approved item list, you can deliver practical gifts that enhance the welfare of your loved ones. Orders can be placed conveniently online at utpackageprogram.com or by phone at (469) 936-0214, with a total maximum
Featured image for “New incarcerated person(s) Mail System Starts Jan. 6”
December 2, 2024

New incarcerated person(s) Mail System Starts Jan. 6

To curb the introduction of mail contraband, the Utah Department of Corrections is implementing a new incarcerated person(s) mail delivery process. Effective January 6, 2025, incoming mail from friends and family must be sent to Pigeonly Corrections’ mail processing center. Incarcerated Individual Name – Offender ID Number Utah State Correctional Facility -1700 PO Box 96777 Las Vegas, NV 89193 Incarcerated Individual
Featured image for “Family Orientation Sessions Begin”
August 23, 2024

Family Orientation Sessions Begin

After a long break, our family orientation sessions are making a comeback! It’s an opportunity for family and friends of those incarcerated with the Utah Department of Corrections to ask questions, and learn about everything they need to know to support their loved ones. The family orientation is set for 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, September 5, at the Fred
Featured image for “Public Awareness Panels operating at CUCF”
November 20, 2023

Public Awareness Panels operating at CUCF

Choices. Decisions. Challenges. Growth. Those were some of the topics that incarcerated offenders spoke about recently during a public awareness panel at the Central Utah Correctional Facility. The panels are designed to help the public understand events that lead to incarceration and the realities of prison life. During the presentations, inmates share their individual stories and answer questions. In addition
Featured image for “West Valley Transition Branch opens”
October 26, 2023

West Valley Transition Branch opens

It’s common in Utah to hear about the opening of a facility connected to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. What’s uncommon about the West Valley Transition Branch is its targeted congregants: Those recently released from prison looking to continue the growth they made while incarcerated. The Great Salt Lake District recently held an open house for the
Featured image for “Elevate program holds graduation at USCF”
October 20, 2023

Elevate program holds graduation at USCF

For the 18 women dressed in white gowns and hats, it was a day to celebrate – even while being incarcerated. The women were taking the morning to acknowledge their completion of the Elevate program at the Utah State Correctional Facility. The drug-treatment course is part of programming the women have received in efforts to help them overcome addiction and