
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.

June 6, 2023
38 students recognized at Utah State Correctional Facility’s inaugural high school graduation
Salt Lake City, UT – Utah State Correctional Facility’s (USCF) inaugural high school graduation saw 38 incarcerated students, ranging in age from 22 to 56 years old, earn their high school diplomas during an event Monday hosted by the Utah Department of Corrections (UDC) and Salt Lake City School District. The graduation took place at the facility’s main visiting area,

May 24, 2023
Utah Entrepreneur Dan Young speaks to Incarcerated Individuals at Central Utah Correctional Facility
On Thursday, May 18, 2023, The Central Utah Correctional Facility (CUCF) hosted Dan Young, CEO of Utah-based companies PC Laptops and Xidax Computer, who inspired incarcerated individuals while speaking on how he achieved success in business and life. Drawing from his own experiences, Young spoke about the significance of integrity, energy, and education for achieving financial success. He also
May 14, 2023
05/21: Incarcerated Women Test Positive for COVID-19 at Dell Facility at Salt Lake Correctional Facility
May 21, 2023 As of May 21, there are 101 active cases of COVID-19 in women’s housing at the Utah State Correctional Facility in Salt Lake City. Sections 2, 3, 4, and 5 at the Dell facility are all considered isolation areas. The women in these sections have been provided with the appropriate personal protective equipment, including cleaning supplies and
May 14, 2023
UPDATE: 05/14 NORMAL OPERATIONS RESUME: Utah Corrections provides update on temporary Correctional Facility Lockdown
Earlier today, a fight involving multiple incarcerated individuals occurred in the restricted housing unit of the Utah State Correctional Facility (USCF), resulting in injuries. Two individuals were transported to the hospital with one individual being admitted for further treatment. No staff members were injured during the incident. To ensure the safety and security of everyone involved, the Utah Department of

May 10, 2023
Governor Cox Declares Utah Corrections Week in the state of Utah
Governor Spencer J. Cox, in recognition of the outstanding dedication and service exhibited by correctional officers, adult probation and parole agents, and other correctional professionals, has declared May 7-13, 2023, as “Utah Corrections Week” throughout the state. The proclamation highlights the critical role played by correctional professionals in maintaining safe correctional facilities, ensuring public safety through offender supervision in the

May 10, 2023
Director of The Other Side Academy Empowers Incarcerated Individuals with a Message of Transformation and Hope
On Thursday, May 4, 2023, Dave Durocher, executive director of The Other Side Academy and former TEDx speaker, addressed approximately 150 incarcerated individuals in the chapel of the Central Utah Correctional Facility in Gunnison. During the hour-long event, Durocher spoke about his early life choices that led him to his first two-year term of incarceration, followed by behaviors in adulthood

May 5, 2023
NEWS RELEASE: Gov. Cox names Brian Redd as new executive director of the Department of Corrections
Governor Spencer Cox’s team issued the following press release this morning, May 5, 2023. SALT LAKE CITY (May 5, 2023) – Utah Gov. Spencer Cox has appointed Brian Redd as the new executive director of the Utah Department of Corrections. This appointment is subject to the approval of the Utah Senate. “Brian brings a wealth of experience in management, logistics,

May 4, 2023
Incarcerated Students Complete Academic Year with a Presentation to Staff
Salt Lake Community College students finished up their academic year with a presentation to UDC staff members highlighting areas where they believe improvements could be made. Incarcerated students participating in a communication class through Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) recently presented ideas regarding improvements that could be made at the Utah State Correctional Facility (USCF) in Salt Lake City. SLCC’s

May 3, 2023
Summer 2023 Quarterly Commissary Bag Available Now
The 2023 Summer Quarterly Commissary Bags are now available from the Utah Department of Corrections’ commissary. Once on the site, enter the number of the incarcerated individual or use the search function to find the person by name. From there, you can compile a commissary bag. Please complete your order before March 19, 2023. For questions regarding the process, please
May 2, 2023
UDC Announces Retirement of Executive Director Brian Nielson
DRAPER – The Utah Department of Corrections (UDC) announced the retirement of Executive Director Brian Nielson who has dedicated more than 26 years of public service to the state of Utah and served more than two years in his current position. “We’re grateful for the contributions Brian has made to the state of Utah and appreciate his hard work and dedication,”