
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 16, 2023
Visiting Expands to Fremont Housing Unit
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
August 14, 2023
UPDATE: Operations resume normal with hot water unavailable at identified housing units
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

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,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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