
RIchard Piatt
Director of Public Affairs
[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.

August 3, 2026
Wildfire prompts UDC To Evacuate State Inmates From Millard County Jail
For the second time in a month, a wildfire has prompted the Utah Department of Corrections to evacuate state inmates from a county jail as a precautionary measure. On Sunday night, August 2, 2026, 40 state incarcerated individuals housed at the Millard County Jail were moved to the Utah State Correctional Facility (USCF) due to the uncontained Widemouth 2 Fire,

July 28, 2026
UPDATED: Lockdown Lifted At Utah State Correctional Facility
UPDATE: As of Saturday, August 1, visiting has resumed in the Bear 2 housing unit. The unit remains under modified recreation. Bear 1 remains under previous restrictions, including no visiting permitted. PREVIOUS: The Utah State Correctional Facility (USCF) has lifted a lockdown instituted after a correctional officer was assaulted by an incarcerated individual. However, there will be no visiting until

July 6, 2026
Utah State Correctional Facility awarded highest-level accreditation for quality health care services
The Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and its Division of Correctional Health Services, has earned accreditation from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care by demonstrating compliance with NCCHC’s nationally recognized standards of care for correctional health services in prisons. Accreditation recognizes DHHS’ commitment to providing quality health services for the incarcerated population. Both of Utah’s correctional facilities,

July 4, 2026
UDC Successfully Evacuates Incarcerated Individuals From San Juan County Jail Amid Babylon Wildfire
The Utah Department of Corrections successfully and safely relocated 76 incarcerated persons from the San Juan County Jail. This emergency evacuation was initiated as a precautionary measure as we monitor the movement of the Babylon Wildfire near Monticello, Utah. Ensuring the safety of the incarcerated population and supporting San Juan County during this natural disaster remained our top priority. Under

June 30, 2026
Second-Chance Career Fair Set For July 15
Struggling to find dedicated, hardworking talent in today’s market? Join the Utah Department of Corrections at the Second-Chance Career Fair and connect directly with a motivated, untapped workforce ready to make a difference. The event takes place from 9 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, July 15 at the West Jordan BHTC Building, 8523 S. Redwood Road in West Jordan. Engage with

June 26, 2026
Inmate Nicholas Rossi Passes Away
The Utah Department of Corrections confirms the death of incarcerated individual Nicholas Rossi (also known as Nicholas Alahverdian). Rossi was pronounced dead at a local hospital on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 8:32 p.m. He was 38 years old. Rossi died from complications of an existing medical condition after choosing to discontinue medical treatment. This notification follows communication with Rossi’s

June 19, 2026
Kids Day A Success At USCF
Family visiting took on a whole new meaning at the Utah State Correctional Facility recently. Over two days and four sessions, incarcerated individuals with the highest privilege levels were allowed to hug, carry and play with their children during Kids Day. “This event is so special,” said Trisha Reynolds, Intergenerational Program Director for the Reentry and Rehabilitation Division at the

May 28, 2026
USCF, CUCF To Offer Special Weekend Property Pickups
Those wishing to pick up property from a loved one incarcerated at the Utah State Correctional Facility or the Central Utah Correctional Facility will have unique weekend opportunities in June and July. At USCF, these special pickups will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, June 6 and 7, plus July 11 and 12, at the facility,

May 27, 2026
Snow College Holds Inaugural Graduation At CUCF
The 24 individuals who received Associate Degrees and Certificates from Snow College during a graduation ceremony Tuesday, May 26, made a little history. The students were the first ever first graduating class for Snow since it began participating in the Utah Department of Corrections’ Prison Education program. And the ceremony marked the first such event for the school at the

May 14, 2026
UPDATED: UDC’s Transition To New Tiered Housing Model Begins
The Utah Department of Corrections is currently implementing a strategic operational shift at the Central Utah Correctional Facility (CUCF) and the Utah State Correctional Facility (USCF) known as the Tiered Housing Model. This new model shifts our facility management from a traditional classification-based system to a behavior-based housing framework. Our central operational philosophy is simple: behavior and compliance determine an