02 Dec

Posted at 11:32h in Hot Topics, Latest News
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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 Name - Offender ID Number Central Utah Correctional Facility -1701 PO Box 96777 Las Vegas, NV 89193 Pigeonly will operate the mail processing center. They will open all non-privileged mail and scan them into a digital color copy. The digital color copy will be printed and delivered to USCF or CUCF. Originals will not be returned to the sender but temporarily stored and then securely destroyed. Pigeonly’s Accepted Mail Requirements All mail must have a return address Envelopes must be no larger than 4 in. x 9½ in. Letters must be on paper that is no larger than 8 ½ in. x 11 in. Greeting Cards must be no larger than 5 in. x 7 in. Postcards must be 5 in. x 7 in. Photographs must be 4 in. x 6 in. (limit to 10 photos per parcel)   How is privileged legal mail handled? Attorneys will continue to send privileged legal mail directly to the UDC facility for delivery to their incarcerated clients. Attorneys will need to register beforehand at this link: Privileged Mail by Pigeonly. Once registered, attorneys will have access to create a one-time use QR code sticker, which must be affixed to the envelope. Incarcerated person(s) Name – Inmate ID # Utah State Correctional Facility PO Box 165300 Salt Lake City, UT 84116 Incarcerated person(s) Name – Inmate ID # Central Utah Correctional Facility PO Box 550 Gunnison, UT 84634   Public Legal, Government, or Business Correspondence? Those wishing to send official public legal, government, or business correspondence should send the letter directly to USCF or CUCF. These letters may be subjected to a search. If it is determined that mail sent directly to USCF or CUCF is from friends or family, it will be denied. Examples of non-privileged special correspondence that should be sent directly to USCF or CUCF: Courts and court staff Government office and/or entity Attorneys office Attorney General's Office Congress Embassies and consulates The United States Department of Justice State governors Members of the State Legislature Schools Banks/Credit unions Law enforcement officers in their official capacity Incarcerated person(s) Name – Inmate ID # Utah State Correctional Facility PO Box 165300 Salt Lake City, UT 84116 Incarcerated person(s) Name – Inmate ID # Central Utah Correctional Facility PO Box 550 Gunnison, UT 84634 Pigeonly’s Prohibited Mail Mail with glitter, rhinestones, stickers, or glued items Wax paper letters Shaped-cut photos or papers Letters written on tiny papers or sticky notes Crystals, religious tokens, coins, toys, keychains, stickers, artwork items Unused/blank envelopes, paper, stationary, and stamps Newspaper clippings Envelopes: Express or Priority/hard mail/bubble type/large thin paper envelopes Stapled items Books, booklets, magazines, or anything spined Greeting cards that are overly thick, electronic, fold-out, 3D, have pop-ups, or are oversized Polaroid photos and photographs from 3rd-party vendors (ex. Shutterfly) Official documents Bulk mail Documents you do not want destroyed, such as Birth certificates, driver's licenses, social security cards, etc. Any type of legal mail Envelopes written in light or colored ink Illegible envelopes All forms of money (if unopened): cash, checks, coins, gift cards, credit cards, etc. Any prohibited mail will be returned to the sender   Frequently Asked Questions   Why is this new mail delivery process needed? Postal mail remains an access point to introduce contraband into correctional facilities, which poses a significant health and safety risk. This new process will increase safety while allowing incarcerated individuals to continue corresponding with loved ones in a timely manner. How does the new mail processing system work? Non-legal mail is sent via PO Box to a central processing facility operated by Pigeonly. All non-legal postal mail is opened, screened for contraband, and scanned into an electronic document that closely resembles the original hardcopy, including color. The scanned mail is shared electronically with the correctional facility through a secure dashboard for further screening and review. The scanned mail is printed at Pigeonly’s processing facility and shipped to the designated UDC facility for distribution to the incarcerated recipients, eliminating the risk of contraband. How long does it take for an incarcerated individual to receive non-privileged mail? Within 24 hours of receipt, Pigeonly will open and scan incoming mail, share the electronic scan with the UDC for further screening, and then print and prepare the mail for shipment. Printed mail is delivered via Priority Mail to the designated correctional facility and will be received within 1-3 days of shipment. How long is mail held at Pigeonly’s processing facility? Original copies of postal mail are held for 45 days. After this period, it is destroyed. I sent mail to an incarcerated person(s), and it was returned as undeliverable. Why? It may have been returned because it violates the mail policy. All received mail will be inspected for prohibited materials. Mail that contains the following will be flagged and is subject to being marked as undeliverable: nudity, explicit sexual material, obscene material, violent language, promotion of violence, and contraband such as, but not limited to, weapons, drugs, or items of an unknown substance or odor.   I'm a formerly incarcerated individual and want access to all my scanned mail pieces. Can I get a copy of them? After release, formerly incarcerated individuals can email support@pigeon.ly with their name/inmate ID # to download their scanned mail items for free. I would like to request my original parcels (sender) All mail is held at our mail processing facility for up to 45 days. If you would like to request your original parcel back, please email support@pigeon.ly within that 45-day period. Please be sure to include all the information for the sender and recipient as written on the envelope. Once received, we will return the parcel to the original sender as listed on the envelope....

02 Dec

Posted at 07:07h in Latest News
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Gov. Spencer Cox visited the Utah State Correctional Facility on Monday, December 2, speaking to Utah Department of Corrections staff as well as incarcerated individuals at the site. Cox first met with staff, where he was introduced by UDC Executive Director Brian Redd. Cox shared his thoughts on leadership and dealing with conflict. The governor also spoke about his appreciation for the work UDC employees do with those in their care. After his presentation, Cox then visited with incarcerated individuals housed in the Bear 2 section of USCF. He listened to a presentation from leaders of the SOLID program before dropping in on a seminar in one of the sections, taking a few moments to speak with those in attendance. We appreciate Gov. Cox for his time and support of the department....

01 Nov

Posted at 08:20h in Latest News, News Archives
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Sharon D’Amico has been named the new warden at the Utah State Correctional Facility (USCF) in Salt Lake City. She replaces Bart Mortensen, now promoted to be the new chief of the Reentry and Rehabilitation Division. This move is a first in the history of the Utah Department of Corrections (UDC), as female wardens now lead both facilities. D’Amico brings a great deal of experience and knowledge to the warden position. She started her career in January 1997 as a correctional officer at the Utah State Prison in Draper. Her career progressed as she was promoted to sergeant and later to case manager, where she honed her leadership skills and deepened her knowledge of programming for the incarcerated population. D’Amico’s dedication and drive led to further promotions, first to lieutenant and then to captain, where her focus expanded from housing operations to internal and external security. Upon transitioning to USCF, she effectively applied her expertise, being promoted to deputy warden over internal security, support services, facility operations, and the receiving and orientation unit. UDC Executive Director Brian Redd stated, “Warden D’Amico has been dedicated to uplifting her team, providing them with the resources and guidance necessary for success. In her new role, she aims to prioritize staff development and wellbeing while fostering a culture of empowerment and service, which are all key parts of UDC’s mission, vision, and values.” USCF opened in Salt Lake City, Utah, in July 2022, replacing the Utah State Prison facility in Draper. It houses approximately 3,000 incarcerated males and females and offers vocational training, life skills courses, high school and college education, and treatment programs for substance use, mental health, and sex offenses. It also offers work programs through Utah Correctional Industries....

06 Mar

Posted at 08:58h in Latest News, News Archives
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The Utah Department of Corrections is warning visitors not to bring contraband to its facilities after four were arrested in eight days for attempting to pass drugs to inmates. In one of the more brazen cases, an incarcerated offender made a hole in the plexiglass barrier during an attempt to receive an illegal substance from a visitor. That inmate, Kevin Zamora, has been arrested by the UDC’s Law Enforcement Bureau (LEB). The visitor, Diana Cruz-Rodriguez, 26, was also arrested by LEB and booked on suspicion of having items prohibited in a correctional-mental health facility, possession of a controlled substance and damage to jails. “Those who bring drugs and other contraband to our facilities will be held accountable and we will prosecute,” said Mike Schoenfeld, director of LEB. In another incident, a visitor was observed putting an item in a crayon box used by children during visits. It was later determined to be an illegal substance. That visitor, Chirine Touati, 44, was also arrested on suspicion of having items prohibited in a correctional facility. Other arrests include Anjeliatt Flores, 20, also on suspicion of having items prohibited in a correctional facility. The fourth is being screened for charges. Thanks to new investigative techniques, Schoenfeld added officers have information on possible future “deliveries,” and are keeping an eye on specific individuals. Schoenfeld noted the presence of drugs – and the trafficking of it in a correctional facility – is a safety issue. Some groups fight for control over distribution, and there can be retribution for those who incur drug debts. There are also concerns that families with incarcerated loved ones can be threatened and extorted. “Narcotics in our prisons also lead to assaults on offenders and staff,” he said. “So, it’s not just harming those who use it, it’s a concern for everyone.” The UDC is highlighting these recent incidents to remind visitors the department will do whatever it takes to eliminate illegal drug use in its facilities. These incidents may also lead to greater restrictions on visits overall, which the department considers a vital link in keeping families with incarcerated members connected. Along with this focus on reducing the drug supply, the UDC is also dedicated to utilizing its resources to maximize treatment and rehabilitation opportunities for incarcerated individuals. We see this as a critical step in preparing them for a successful, drug-free reentry to our community....

18 Dec

Posted at 10:50h in Latest News
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It looked like a courtroom, complete with flags and the state seal.  There was a judge, prosecutors and a defense attorney. The defendant was brought in to face charges. It featured real pleas and real sentences. Yet those facing incarceration didn’t have to wait to be transferred to prison. They were already there. The courtroom had come to them. For the first time in its short existence, the Utah State Correctional Facility was the location for a Third District Court session. Presided over by Judge Matthew Bates, 15 cases were heard in a pilot program to improve court efficiency. “This is something new and we’re trying to figure out what cases we can take,” Judge Bates said to one defendant during the session Friday, December 15. Held in a room usually reserved for Utah Board of Pardons and Parole hearings, the court session was a year in the making, said Brian Kenney, who was recently appointed the director of the UDC’s new Safety, Risk, and Standards Division. “The goal is to streamline the process and reduce transports,” he said, noting that the day’s events eliminated the need to shuttle 15 offenders to a courthouse. “It’s getting more inmates in front of the court. And it’s 100 percent safer.” All defendants were already incarcerated. These were charges they acquired while in custody or pending charges they had open. Of the 15 cases, five resulted in guilty pleas, all misdemeanors. When court wasn’t in session, downtime was spent talking about current events and who had the best breakfast that day. Afterward, all parties held a debriefing to discuss what went well and what could be improved for the next one. Everything from what time to have incarcerated offenders ready to the configuration of the courtroom itself was examined for improvement. And there will be a next time. The second event will take place January 12, with monthly hearings set through April. The docket will rotate between Bates and Judge Barry Lawrence. All agreed that, for the first time out, it went smoother than anticipated. “I think it was successful,” noted Kenney. “Now we have to refine the process.”...

20 Oct

Posted at 11:05h in Latest News
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Jennifer Blau of the Utah Department of Corrections has been honored with the Governor’s Award for Excellence for her efforts as a supervisor of pre-sentence investigation writers. Gov. Spencer Cox presented Blau and 25 other state employees with the award during a ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion recently. The awards are an annual event designed to recognize the contributions of state employees in the categories of innovation and efficiency, energy and environment, heroism, leadership and outstanding public service. The award recipients were selected as examples of distinguished service and dedication to the citizens of Utah. “We’re fortunate to have truly dedicated public servants who love this state and the people we serve,” said Gov. Cox. “These state employees represent the best of the best and contribute to Utah’s success. I could not be more proud or grateful for their efforts.” Blau supervises a team of 10 civilian pre-sentence investigation writers who work directly with criminal defendants to conduct fact-finding background interviews and investigations. They create a pre-sentence report, which is submitted to the court. Blau was instrumental in developing an in-service training program for all pre-sentence writers in the state. Her commitment to training Adult Probation and Parole staff on the processes and policies related to the sentencing of offenders helps improve community safety. The write-up for the award noted that Blau “is a standout employee with a strong desire to improve public safety and the lives of staff and those under UDC supervision. She effortlessly builds and maintains relationships with judges, clerks, attorneys, jail staff and sentencing commission staff. She is a true partner to all in the criminal justice field. (Blau) is an exceptional example of a true Peer Leader and public servant.” The Governor’s Award for Excellence was created in 2007 as a way to recognize the outstanding work of state employees and honor their achievements....

16 Oct

Posted at 15:15h in Hot Topics, Latest News, News Archives
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It’s the quiet. It’s what makes it stand out in a place of constant noise. Which is strange, because the Reading for the Blind Program at the Utah State Correctional Facility (USCF) is all about sound. The program utilizes incarcerated individuals to give a voice to novels, plays, magazines and more. Their audience will be some of the millions of sight-impaired people who participate in the National Library Service, a free benefit provided to qualified participants by the Library of Congress. Reading for the Blind has been a part of the Utah Department of Corrections for over 40 years, first at Utah State Prison and now at USCF. “It’s so meaningful, not only to those who get our work, but to those who work here,” said Teena Brown, who oversees the program at the facility. “Once I got started, I fell in love with it.” Yet a hush prevails inside the classroom-sized office tucked near the Bear housing units. Those whose job it is to vocally project and speak clearly do so in recording booths behind soundproof doors. Others wear headsets while silently editing the day’s recordings. “I love it, the whole thing, (including) the quiet,” said Russell Black, who is incarcerated at USCF. He worked in other positions with Division of Prison Operations and with Utah Correctional Industries before landing at the program five years ago. He now does repairs on the digital talking book players, used by patrons of the library to listen to audiobooks and magazines. He fixes about 30 a month. “It’s one job that gives meaning to us doing something for those who can’t do it themselves,” he added. The NLS began with passage of the Pratt-Smoot Act in 1931, designed to provide books to blind adults. Its co-author was U.S. Sen. Reed Smoot of Utah. The act was amended in 1933 to include talking books. The Utah State Library administers the program not only for Utah, but for Alaska, Montana and Wyoming as well. It also provides braille material for an additional 19 states, said Lisa Nelson, program manager at the Utah State Library. “We’re very impressed with the quality of material they produce,” said Nelson. “They do a great job.” Quality, and quantity. The state library has a recording studio as well, but it is staffed by volunteers who may be in the office a day or two a week. The 16 or so staffers at USCF are there five days a week, cranking out content. “We can get things done a lot faster there,” noted Nelson. “They really do have a quick turnaround.” Small projects can be done in a week. Bigger projects, like entire books, take more time, said Christie Jensen, who has worked for the UDC for nearly 18 years and is currently the Library Director at USCF. “A few years back we did the entire Old Testament,” she said. Originally done on vinyl records and then cassette tapes, the service now uses a proprietary flash drive player that can hold 5 to 7 books, noted Nelson. The prison program has kept up, using modern digital editing and recording. Yet staff and offenders agree that while the work is enjoyable, the importance behind the program is what gives them the greatest satisfaction. “It’s always the one thing we can feel good about,” said Jensen. “We try to remind our offenders often how this work is meaningful. This program has impact.” Brown understands. She originally applied for what she thought was a library position at the UDC 18 months ago. Taking the position of program manager has been a godsend for her. “I didn’t know I was looking for it, but I’m so glad I found it.”...

29 Sep

Posted at 12:56h in Latest News
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The Utah Department of Corrections held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Timpanogos Community Treatment Center on Thursday, Sept. 28. Attended by state and local elected officials, media representatives and UDC employees, the ceremony marked the completion of construction and the readiness to begin operations at the center. "It's the first of it's kind for UDC in Utah County," said Brian Redd, Executive Director of the UDC, during the event. "The ultimate goal of a community treatment facility like this is to help individuals go back into society and contribute." Designed to provide those being released from incarceration with a stable environment while receiving additional treatment, the center will help individuals find employment, seek permanent housing and reintegrate themselves into society. Expected to open by the end of the year, the center at 748 N. 1340 W., in Orem, will be staffed around-the-clock. Timpanogos will be home to 33 parolees to start, with a maximum capacity of 82. It will be the sixth such facility operated by the UDC. The department operates four in Salt Lake County and one in Weber County. As part of the refurbishment of the center, a number of design elements have been added, including glass walls and wood floors. There is a spiral staircase in the center, linking the first- and second-floor staff areas. Luke Lassiter will serve as director of the facility....

24 Sep

Posted at 16:13h in Latest News, News Archives
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An incarcerated individual at the Central Utah Correctional Facility (CUCF) has died after being found unresponsive in his cell on Sunday, Sept. 24. The Utah Department of Corrections’ Law Enforcement Bureau and the Utah State Bureau of Investigation have responded to the incident and an investigation is underway. Steven Davis, 66, was found by staff Sunday morning and was declared deceased by responding medical personnel. The cause of death has not been determined at this time. Davis has been incarcerated since December 1983 for first degree sodomy of a child and parole violations. CUCF is located in Gunnison, UT and houses approximately 1,760 incarcerated men. The facility is on lockdown during the preliminary investigation with the exception of pre-scheduled visits....

22 Sep

Posted at 14:22h in Latest News, Uncategorized
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An outbreak of scabies in a section of the Utah State Correctional Facility will close some areas to visitors and quarantine inmates in the infected unit. Reported cases are currently in Green, a dorm-style housing unit where incarcerated individuals receive sex offense or substance abuse treatment. At least 57 people have been confirmed to have scabies. Visitation to this unit of the prison is temporarily closed. Nurses with the Division of Correctional Health Services are providing treatment, including the prescription cream permethrin, to everyone suspected or confirmed to have scabies. Clothing and bedding from those confirmed or suspected of being infected will be washed with a disinfectant solution and other areas of the state prison will be cleaned to prevent further spread. Inmates and staff will also receive education about the hygienic steps needed to protect themselves and others from scabies. According to the Centers for Disease Control, scabies is an infestation of the skin by the human itch mite. The microscopic scabies mite burrows into the upper layer of the skin where it lives and lays its eggs. The most common symptoms of scabies are intense itching and a pimple-like skin rash. The scabies mite usually is spread by direct, prolonged, skin-to-skin contact with a person who has scabies. More information is available from a CDC fact sheet. Communications office, September 22, 2023...

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