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 “Inaugural Sweat Lodge Ceremony at Green”
August 14, 2023

Inaugural Sweat Lodge Ceremony at Green

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,
Featured image for “Conversations with Corrections: Stevoni Doyle”
August 3, 2023

Conversations with Corrections: Stevoni Doyle

[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
Featured image for “Virtual Reality Training Pioneers: Utah Correctional Industries Empowers Incarcerated Individuals with Cutting-Edge Technology”
August 3, 2023

Virtual Reality Training Pioneers: Utah Correctional Industries Empowers Incarcerated Individuals with Cutting-Edge Technology

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LATg_N1cPDY[/embedyt] Utah Correctional Industries is one of the first in the nation to bring virtual reality headsets inside a correctional facility, utilizing them to train incarcerated individuals to work in its programs. Done in partnership with New York-based Transfr, which specializes in VR training, UCI is giving men and women opportunities to utilize cutting-edge technology to improve their skills
Featured image for “Memorial Services Held at USCF for K9 Officer Loki”
August 1, 2023

Memorial Services Held at USCF for K9 Officer Loki

Memorial services were held on July 27 and 28 at USCF to honor the life and passing of K-9 Officer Loki. Staff were invited to pay respects to the life and service of our beloved K-9 partner. Loki, born February 2, 2015, was a Belgian Malinois. After being procured by the UDC in 2017, K-9 Officer Loki served admirably for
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 “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