22 Aug

Posted at 07:50h in Featured, Latest News, News Archives
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15 incarcerated individuals were involved in an altercation at the Central Utah Correctional Facility (CUCF) in Gunnison on Monday evening with five individuals being taken to a local hospital by ambulance to assessed and treated. Preliminary investigations indicate that the altercation may have been gang-related and weapons were involved. To ensure the safety and security of everyone involved, the Utah Department of Corrections has initiated a temporary lockdown at CUCF and the Utah State Correctional Facility (USCF) in Salt Lake City. During this time, incarcerated individuals will be restricted to their assigned cells and dormitories, with limited movement permitted until a further review is completed. The identities of the individuals involved in the incident are not being released at this time. More information will be available after an investigation is completed. CUCF is located in Gunnison and houses approximately 1,750 incarcerated males. USCF is located in Salt Lake City, and houses approximately 2,200 incarcerated male and 400 female individuals....

21 Aug

Posted at 10:49h in Featured, Implement Strategically, Improve Lives, Latest News, News Archives, Strategic Plan
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The dozen or so men sat together in the visiting area at the Utah State Correctional Center, waiting for the ceremony to begin. They carried with them, however, the accomplishments of hundreds more who didn’t get the chance to be recognized. USCF recently held its inaugural graduation for those who have completed the Sex Offense Treatment Program, commonly known as SOTP. “We have over 200 individuals who have graduated since February 2022,” said Dr. Candice Waltrip, Supervising Psychologist with the UDC’s Programming Division and Director of SOTP. “This is the first chance we have had to celebrate since being in the new prison.” Approximately 35 percent of the incarcerated individuals in Utah’s prison system are serving time for a sexual offense. The Department’s treatment program is primarily housed at the Salt Lake City facility. Such treatment is ordered by the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole as a condition for parole consideration. Treatment takes approximately 17 months, depending on the individual’s identified behavioral stability, progress in treatment and overall risk level. Progress is measured not simply  by the completion of assignments or time spent in therapy. How hard an individual works, how motivated they are, and their willingness to incorporate changes freely to show commitment toward rehabilitation without exhibiting defensiveness are also considered. Which makes the recent commencement exercise at USCF so important. “It allows them to experience the real accomplishment of completing the program,” said Capt. Matt Huber, who oversaw the graduation services. “It’s an acknowledgement of the hard work they have put forth.”...

21 Aug

Posted at 10:46h in Featured, Invest in Staff, Latest News, Strategic Plan
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Paul Augason, the Risk Management/Emergency Planning Coordinator for the Utah Department of Corrections, has received the prestigious Safety Specialist Certification from the Utah Safety Council. The certification, which comes after the completion of a challenging series of courses, is some of the most advanced training available, said John Wojciechowski, President of the Utah Safety Council. “It means being able to do a good assessment and helping employees navigate the workplace safely,” he said. “In the end, it’s getting people home to their families every day.” Auguson is part of the UDC Risk Management/Emergency Planning team in the Facilities Bureau. He noted the department will benefit in examining scenarios, identifying risks and finding solutions. “It allows the team to help the department ensure employee safety,” he said. Division Director Shawn Anderson said Augason’s accomplishment will help the department in its quest to keep risk to a minimum. “It shows that we are proactive and being safety minded,” he said. “It shows we have staff looking out for everyone.”...

17 Aug

Posted at 10:46h in Featured, Impact Globally, Implement Strategically, Improve Lives, Latest News, News Archives, Strategic Plan, Work Together
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The Utah Department of Corrections is proud to announce strategic appointments that underscore our commitment to fostering excellence and innovation within our team.  The Department is excited to introduce the following individuals to key leadership roles: Rebecca Brown - Deputy Executive Director: Bringing a wealth of experience from her tenure at the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, including her recent role as Assistant Deputy Director, Rebecca Brown joins us as Deputy Executive Director. Her involvement with a local community non-profit organization, which included significant work at the Salt Lake County Jail, demonstrates her deep commitment to our mission. Rebecca will officially assume her responsibilities on September 5, 2023. Jared Garcia - Deputy Executive Director: With over two decades of public safety service, including leadership positions within the Department of Public Safety and his most recent role as Chief of Police in Moab, Jared Garcia is appointed as Deputy Executive Director. Jared's extensive background in law enforcement positions him well to contribute to our goals. His official start date is October 1, 2023. Glen Mills - Director of Communications and Government Relations: Drawing from a distinguished career as a main news anchor, chief political correspondent, and host of Inside Utah Politics with ABC4, Glen Mills assumes the role of Director of Communications and Government Relations. His expertise in communications and public affairs, developed over more than twenty years, will play a pivotal role in advancing our department's visibility and outreach. Glen will officially begin on September 5, 2023. Eric Hutchings - Director of Legislative Affairs and Policy: With a robust legislative background, having served in the Utah State House of Representatives from 2001 to 2020, Eric Hutchings steps into the role of Director of Legislative Affairs and Policy. His extensive involvement in committees related to criminal justice and corrections positions him as a valuable asset in shaping policies that drive positive change. Eric's official start date is August 28, 2023. “These appointments mark a significant step towards our continued growth and excellence. Each individual brings unique skills and insights that will undoubtedly contribute to the success of our mission,” said UDC Executive Director, Brian Redd.  “We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to Jim Hudspeth and Chyleen Richey for their exemplary service as Deputy Executive Directors. We congratulate Jim on his well-earned retirement and express our appreciation for Chyleen's impactful contributions within our department and the criminal justice system. Chyleen and our leadership will engage in ongoing discussions about her evolving role within the organization.”    ...

16 Aug

Posted at 14:48h in Featured, Improve Lives, Latest News, News Archives, Strategic Plan
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The Utah Department of Corrections will begin a new program shortly, allowing eligible offenders to have a photo taken with their loved ones during an in-person visit. “It’s for the kids and families. A kid should have a picture with their dad and mom,” said Lt. James Gull, who oversees visiting at the USCF. “We believe it will aid in rehabilitation and reinforce family connections.” Eligible incarcerated individuals will be allowed to take the photo with their loved ones every six months. The images will be taken by the UDC and the department will provide the photo via the visitor’s registered email. “We will prescreen visitors to make sure they are eligible,” added Gull. “We will take the photo in the last 15 minutes of the visit.” For those who only get tablet visits, the department will take a photo of that offender and send it to the family annually. More information will be provided as the program gets underway....

16 Aug

Posted at 14:46h in Featured, Latest News, News Archives
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Visiting at the Utah State Correctional Facility in Salt Lake City is expanding to additional housing units, according to Utah Department of Corrections officials. The Fremont housing unit will begin offering tablet visits starting September 1. “It will be open to those who have received and maintained a “B” level privilege and are classified,” said Capt. Tawnya Nicholes, who supervises visiting at USCF. “This classification usually happens within three weeks.” The B-level permits one visit per month. For Fremont, these will be on Tuesday mornings....

14 Aug

Posted at 15:33h in Featured, Latest News, News Archives
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Hot water available again at all housing units as of yesterday afternoon (08/15)   Operations resume normal with hot water unavailable at identified housing units A temporary fix has been made regarding the current gas leak. Normal operations have resumed; however, Bear 3, Bear 4 and Green will be without hot water for the time being. UDC's Facilities team are working to get a contractor out to get hot water restored as quickly as possible. We will continue to provide updates on repairs as they become available. Gas Line Damage at Utah State Correctional Facility Prompts Quick Response and Precautionary Measures A contractor preparing ground for a greenhouse foundation damaged a gas line at the Utah State Correctional Facility on Monday. Fire crews are on scene to assess the situation. A repair crew is also enroute. No injuries have been reported. Out of an abundance of caution, the air handlers in the Bear 4 and Green housing units have been turned off. In addition, those working in the Utah Correctional Industries’ plant in Bear have been sent back to their housing units. We will provide updates on repairs as they become available....

14 Aug

Posted at 14:54h in Featured, Improve Lives, Latest News, News Archives, Strategic Plan
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Thanks to the help of volunteers and incarcerated individuals, the Green housing unit at the Utah State Correctional Facility held its first sweat lodge ceremony recently.  A sweat lodge is a ceremonial structure used by various indigenous cultures for spiritual and healing purposes. It is typically a dome-shaped hut made from natural materials like wood and covered with blankets, skins, or other insulating materials. The primary purpose is to create a sacred space where participants can engage in a ritualized sweat ceremony, often involving physical and spiritual purification.  “To me, the way I was raised, this is our way of life,” said volunteer Stephen Todachiny, who helped gather the materials and lead the ceremony. “Other denominations have their services and prayers, and this is our service and prayers. “I think it’s a very important part of their spirituality. To maintain balance,” Todachiny added. “A lot have drifted away from the “Red Road” (a balanced life path) and are looking to get back to that.”  The frame is usually constructed using flexible young saplings, in this case willow. They were bent into shape and anchored into the ground. Prior to the ceremony, participants used blankets and tarps to cover the structure. Volunteers, including Todachiny and “Xochi,” built a fire to heat rocks, which were eventually placed in a pit in the center of the lodge. Water was poured over the heated rocks to create steam.  Participants first gathered in a prayer circle, expressing themselves to the group. They then proceeded into the lodge. For many indigenous communities, participating in these ceremonies helps to maintain cultural traditions, strengthen communal bonds, and pass down teachings from one generation to the next. Julie Hauser, Ethnic Minority Resource Sergeant at USCF, noted that such services are heavily dependent on volunteers such as Todachiny. “Our volunteers for the Native American religious services play a vital role in preserving cultural and spiritual connections, fostering a sense of identity and community, and contributing to inmates’ overall well-being and rehabilitation,” she said. Communication Office, Liam Truchard...

03 Aug

Posted at 11:09h in Featured, Latest News
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The Utah Department of Health and Human Services and UDC are excited to host another community listening event to hear your feedback regarding your experiences with healthcare in Utah's correctional facilities. If you'd like to prepare for the conversation, here are a few prompts to consider: Describe an instance when the healthcare provided to your loved one under the supervision of UDC met or exceeded your expectations. Conversely, describe an instance when the healthcare provided to your loved one under the supervision of UDC fell short of your expectations.   You can join the event through Zoom at this link: https://utah-gov.zoom.us/j/83008002946...

02 Aug

Posted at 22:11h in Impact Globally, Improve Lives, Latest News, News Archives, Strategic Plan, Work Together
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[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19CQ0iHDUlk[/embedyt] Stevoni Doyle, a formerly incarcerated individual with the Utah Department of Corrections, shares her story. Doyle stayed in Utah State Prison for 15 months before transferring to federal supervision for four years of total time served. Reflecting on her experiences, Stevoni describes how impactful incarceration was for her and how thankful she is for the opportunity to turn her life around for the better. Topics of discussion include the availability of education and programming within our facilities and Stevoni's transition from being under the supervision of AP&P to attending college and eventually landing as the Parole Access to Recovery Program (PATR) administrator and acting as a role model for individuals in situations similar to her own. Listen to the full podcast here.   Andrew Damas, Communications Office...