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 “Conversations With Corrections: Structured Housing”
July 19, 2023

Conversations With Corrections: Structured Housing

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19CQ0iHDUlk[/embedyt] In this interview, Lieutenant Aaron Johnson and Sergeant Ray Eberly shed some light on the concept of structured housing at the Utah State Correctional Facility. They discuss how structured housing presents a compelling alternative to traditional maximum security housing approaches, the various processes that help incarcerated individuals succeed in structured housing, and the challenges they’ve faced while implementing
Featured image for “Happy Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week!”
July 18, 2023

Happy Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week!

As National Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week approaches, the Utah Department of Corrections (UDC) gears up to host a series of events designed to highlight the crucial work of our dedicated Adult Probation and Parole (AP&P) agents. From July 17th to the 21st, legislators and local media will have the opportunity to witness firsthand the reentry and supervision processes
Featured image for “Lotion-based mosquito repellent now available at USCF”
July 18, 2023

Lotion-based mosquito repellent now available at USCF

As the mosquito season hits full power, the Utah Department of Corrections is taking additional steps to help staff and incarcerated individuals avoid the annoying insects at the Utah State Correctional Facility. UDC is rolling out a lotion-based repellent that will be available at no cost to staff and incarcerated offenders at USCF. The product being used was recommended by
Featured image for “Passing of K9 Officer Loki at USCF”
July 18, 2023

Passing of K9 Officer Loki at USCF

Loki – an 8-year-old Belgian Malinois and Utah Department of Corrections K9 officer – was found deceased in a K9 vehicle at the Utah State Correctional Facility (USCF) on Thursday evening. “We are heartbroken by the loss of Loki, who served this department faithfully for six years,” said Executive Director, Brian Redd. “We are mourning along with all of our
Featured image for “Bear Highside Talent Show a Great Success”
July 17, 2023

Bear Highside Talent Show a Great Success

On Monday, July 3rd, the Bear Highside Housing Unit at the Utah Department of Corrections (UDC) was buzzing with energy and creativity as incarcerated individuals showcased their remarkable talents in a captivating talent show. Organized by James Featherstone in collaboration with Family Home Evening and the UDC, this event was a testament to the power of art and the rehabilitation
Featured image for “Salt Lake Community College’s Prison Education Graduates Earn Associate’s Degrees”
July 12, 2023

Salt Lake Community College’s Prison Education Graduates Earn Associate’s Degrees

Salt Lake Community College’s Prison Education Graduates Earn Associate’s Degrees   SALT LAKE CITY, July 10, 2023—Today, twenty-three students proudly graduated from Salt Lake Community College’s (SLCC) Prison Education Program at the Utah State Correctional Facility. Sixteen received an associate’s degree, all but one in General Studies, and seven received a certificate of completion for General Education.    “As these
Featured image for “South Park Academy Renamed as Sky View Academy: A Fresh Start for Incarcerated Students”
July 10, 2023

South Park Academy Renamed as Sky View Academy: A Fresh Start for Incarcerated Students

Recently, South Park Academy held its inaugural high school graduation ceremony at the newly opened Utah State Correctional Facility. That will now be the one and only graduating class for South Park at USCF. Officials with the Salt Lake City School District have announced the school will change its name to Sky View Academy. The district’s board approved the change
Featured image for “High School Graduates Celebrated at Central Utah Correctional Facility”
July 7, 2023

High School Graduates Celebrated at Central Utah Correctional Facility

The first high school graduation ceremony since 2020 was held recently at the Central Utah Correctional Facility in Gunnison. Officials from the Central Utah Academy celebrated not only the 29 graduates from the Class of 2023, but also took the time to highlight the 14 graduates from 2021 and the 16 from 2022. The pandemic caused challenges, officials noted, but
Featured image for “Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson visits USCF”
July 7, 2023

Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson visits USCF

The Utah Department of Corrections hosted Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson at the Utah State Correctional Facility on Thursday, June 29. Her visit provided valuable insights into our operations and a chance to showcase our commitment to public safety and rehabilitation. We were grateful that Lt. Gov. Henderson joined us for this visit. It underscores the importance of collaboration and partnership
Featured image for “PSA Class 335 Ready to Serve”
July 7, 2023

PSA Class 335 Ready to Serve

The Utah Department of Corrections Training Academy continues to prepare new officers and deputies for careers in corrections. The latest to join the ranks include 46 cadets who graduated recently from Pre Service Academy 335. Those earning awards in the class include Joshua Ludlow (Physical Fitness), Michael Burnett (Professionalism), and Kody Woffinden (Academic). Joshua Ludlow was also named Outstanding Trainee achieving the