19 Apr

Posted at 11:31h in Improve Lives, Latest News, News Archives, Strategic Plan
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The Utah Department of Corrections would like to thank Congressman Burgess Owens (R-Utah), members of his staff and Gunnison city officials for visiting the Central Utah Correctional Facility on Friday, April 7. Since retiring from the NFL, Burgess has devoted his time to mentoring and improving the lives of our next generation of leaders. He founded Second Chance 4 Youth, a Utah-based non-profit organization dedicated to helping troubled and incarcerated youth.   We appreciate the opportunity to showcase our efforts to help incarcerated individuals successfully reenter society....

14 Apr

Posted at 12:50h in Improve Lives, Invest in Staff, Latest News, News Archives, Strategic Plan, Work Together
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Dr. Kim Michelson, former State Dental Director and current clinical dentist for the Utah Department of Corrections, has recently been recognized by the Utah Dental Association with a Distinguished Service Award! Dr. Michelson served with the Utah Department of Health from 2009 to March 2022, striving to improve dental care for all of Utah, especially for the underserved. 12 of his 13 years with them were full–time, where he served in various public health dentistry settings, including nine years as the State Dental Director. He worked with CMS, CDC, UDA, the Utah Oral Health Coalition, and other boards and committees, is a co-author of the "2015–2016 Oral Health Status of Utah's Children" report, and served as the president of the Salt Lake District Dental Society with the UDA from 2013 to 2014 and served on their board from 2007 to 2014. He is also a Fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy.   "Dr. Michelson is a key component to the dental team," said Dr. Marcus Wisner, Dental Director for the UDC. "His ability to handle the most difficult clinical situations is inspiring. His steady demeanor and willingness to help wherever needed have proven essential to our success. Dr. Michelson joined us before our move from Draper to USCF. He was responsible for keeping the dental clinics operational during the move. He also serves as our in-house space expert – as in NASA and SpaceX."   Congratulations to Dr. Michelson for receiving this well-deserved award!...

13 Apr

Posted at 13:55h in Invest in Staff, Latest News, News Archives, Strategic Plan
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We're excited to announce the appointment of Nate Thomas as the new Region IV Chief for Adult Probation and Parole. Nate Thomas has a wealth of experience in various divisions within the Department of Corrections and has demonstrated his commitment as an employee. His roles have included serving as a Correctional Officer, Correctional Case Manager, AP&P Agent, AP&P Supervisor, AP&P Training Supervisor, Deputy Warden with the Inmate Placement Program, and most recently as a Deputy Warden at USCF. He has established strong professional relationships both within and outside of the Department and aims to further expand his networking capabilities in Region 4. In addition to his professional achievements, Nate also served in the Air National Guard and utilized his military training to earn a bachelor's degree in Linguistics....

13 Apr

Posted at 13:48h in Improve Lives, Invest in Staff, Latest News, News Archives, Strategic Plan
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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 333. Those earning awards in the class include Mason Clark (Physical Fitness), Brandy Mahoskey (Professionalism), and John Whiteman (Academic). John Whiteman was also named Outstanding Trainee achieving the highest academic and physical fitness scores. The new cadets also heard from keynote speaker, Deputy Director of AP&P Irv Hale. The class motto was "333 Is The Key!" Congratulations to all....

12 Apr

Posted at 08:48h in Impact Globally, Improve Lives, Latest News, News Archives
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Like many in Utah, Gunnison residents are thankful for the abundant snowfall this winter, easing drought conditions in the region. And like many in Utah, they are concerned a sudden rise in temperature will lead to rapid melt of the record-breaking snowpack, creating the possibility of flooding. It’s happened here before.  “I lived in Gunnison all my life,” said Ryan Thompson, a lieutenant at the Central Utah Correctional Facility in the city. “I remember the floods here in ’83.” With that in mind, Thompson has helped organize a volunteer effort between the prison and the city to fill sandbags. The city is providing bags and upwards of 50 tons of sand. Incarcerated individuals have volunteered to fill and prepare the bags, more than 2,800 total.  “The prison has been an asset to the city, for sure,” said J.D. Bunnell, Gunnison’s Public Works Director. The goal is to be prepared in case the worst happens.  The Governor’s Office, and officials across the state with counties and cities, are taking preemptive measures to be prepared for anticipated flooding from this year’s spring runoff.  “We are thankful we have the opportunity to contribute in any way we can to support the governor's initiatives related to flood mitigation and prevention,” said Spencer Turley, assistant deputy executive director with UDC. “We appreciate the partnership with local communities and look forward to finding additional ways to contribute in the future.” Additional benefits of filling the sandbags include allowing incarcerated individuals to give back to the community and building relationships between groups, said Deputy Warden Kristin Keisel.  “It was incredible to see the coordinated effort with staff, inmates and the city,” she said. The only question remaining is whether the bags will help stem expected runoff.  “We’re going to get water,” noted Bunnell. “I don’t know how much.  “That’s the scary part in all this.”...

09 Apr

Posted at 13:50h in Improve Lives, Invest in Staff, Latest News, News Archives, Strategic Plan
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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 21 cadets who graduated recently from Pre Service Academy 332. Those earning awards in the class include Koby Christensen and Cody Walk (Physical Fitness), Kyrsten Andrews (Professionalism), and Douglas Brown(Academic). Cody Walk was named Outstanding Trainee achieving the highest academic and physical fitness scores. The new cadets also heard from keynote speaker, Deputy Warden Kristen Keisel The class motto was "Veni, Vidi, Vici!", which translates to, " I Came, I Saw, I Conquered!" Congratulations to all....

29 Mar

Posted at 10:14h in Featured, Impact Globally, Improve Lives, Invest in Staff, Latest News, News Archives, Strategic Plan
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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 35 cadets who graduated recently from Pre Service Academy 331.  Of the total, 16 will go to county jails throughout the state, 6 will become part of the Adult Probation and Parole division, and The remaining 13 will serve at the Utah State Correctional Facility in Salt Lake City. Those earning awards in the class include Niko Valerio of the Tooele County Sheriff's Office (Physical Fitness), Adam Faulkner of the UDC (Professionalism), and Jennifer Wilkinson of the Grand County Sheriff's Office (Academic). Joel Elliott of the San Juan County Sheriff's Office was named the top overall cadet. The class motto was "Conquer From Within!" Congratulations to all....

22 Mar

Posted at 12:58h 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, in coordination with Davis County Sheriff’s Office, announced the expansion of opportunities for programming and reentry services to address individuals' risk factors when they return to prison for parole violations. The goal is to reduce core criminogenic risk factors for those who violate parole. Individuals who violate parole represent the largest admission group for the Utah Department of Corrections. In 2021, admissions from parole violators represented about two-thirds (67%) of all admissions to prison, while admissions from probation made up 18% of admissions. “We are excited to help these individuals be better equipped for success when they return to their communities,” said Brian Nielson, executive director with the Utah Department of Correction. “We are grateful for the collaboration with the Davis County Sheriff’s Office, and we look forward to expanding these opportunities in other areas of the state in the future.” Data shows that parole violators returning to prison on technical violations stay on average for eight months. The added programming and reentry services will address their core needs within a six month timeframe. “Oftentimes our standard programs for addressing criminogenic needs take longer than the average stay of someone returning for a parole violation,” said Lena Gustafson, the deputy programming director with the Utah Department of Corrections. “Corrections offers so much to every individual we supervise based on their assessed needs, and we’re excited to add more programming and reentry services to our repertoire to address those returning for a short stay for parole violations.” The core program that will be offered–Living in Balance–is customizable, comprehensive, and evidence-based, and takes approximately six months to complete. Customizable: Designed to be effective in both group and individual settings, it can be used in all levels of care and program types. It is designed so that clients can enter the program at any point in the cycle of sessions. Comprehensive: There are 47 sessions, each covering one specific topic. Clients are taught information about treatment and recovery, skills to handle feelings and emotions, information about preventing relapse, practical living skills, and how to manage distorted thinking and behaviors. Evidence-based: Developed by Danya International and tested as part of a NIDA-funded project, Living in Balance is a clinically validated, evidence-based program that has been proven to retain clients in treatment and reduce alcohol and other drug use. Davis Behavioral Health, which contracts with the Davis County Sheriff’s Office, will help to administer the support and classes specializing in mental health and peer support resources. "We're excited to partner with the Department of Corrections in this very important endeavor,” said Chief Arnold Butcher with Davis County Sheriff’s Office. “We believe this is a great opportunity to enhance the programs already offered at our facility. The Living in Balance curriculum will enhance safety throughout our community as we can work with parole offenders much sooner.” Other services provided will specifically address reentry needs, such as navigating parole, improving financial literacy, enhancing their work portfolio, resume, interviewing skills, and partnering with the Department of Workforce Services and Vocational Rehabilitation Services for other relevant needs....

09 Mar

Posted at 15:47h in Hot Topics, Invest in Staff, News Archives, Strategic Plan, Uncategorized
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The Utah Department of Corrections is turning a corner on recruitment and retention efforts with significantly more individuals coming into the agency than leaving.  “Everyone’s efforts to help both recruit and retain certified staff are paying off,” said Spencer Turley, assistant deputy executive director with the Utah Department of Corrections in a message to Department staff earlier this week. “Thank you to everyone for your diligent efforts, please continue doing all you can to improve our staff retention and help recruit new staff. As you have additional ideas, please share them.” The agency is now gaining officers at a rapid rate. To take a snapshot of the past 12 months, from February 2022 through July 2022, 87 correctional officers left the agency, and 28 correctional officers were hired into the agency. This was a net loss of 59 people. In August 2022, following the opening of USCF, and after correctional staff received a substantial pay increase, these numbers reversed themselves. From August 2022 through February 2023, 34 correctional officers left the agency, 105 correctional officers were hired into the agency. This is a net gain of 71 people.  After the August 2022 compensation increase, Governor Spencer Cox personally sent a letter to previous employees and asked them to return to work for Corrections. From August 2022 through February 2023, UDC has had 27 former staff members return to work as officers.  During the 2023 calendar year, there are 10 academies scheduled, with seven in Salt Lake and three in Gunnison. There is also potential to add more classes if needed.  Currently there are two academies underway in Salt Lake and one Gunnison with a second Gunnison class starting March 28. For the two Salt Lake classes, there are 38 officers that were hired for the Utah State Correctional Facility (USCF) and 12 that were hired for Community Correctional Centers. The current Gunnison academy has 21 correctional officers for the Central Utah Correctional Facility.  Hiring for the March 28 academy, to be held in Gunnison, is still underway. At this point, it looks like CUCF will be really close to filling - or will actually be able to fill - every correctional officer position they have. And once the academy is complete, they will be fully staffed. This alone will help lessen the overtime load on all of our staff.  In January 2023, UDC’s staffing models indicated a need for an additional 135 officers at USCF to eliminate mandatory overtime. If retention rates stay like they are now, and if UDC can average a minimum of 20 officers in each of the seven academy classes this year, that will be enough to nearly eliminate all mandatory overtime at USCF. ...