20 Sep

Posted at 20:41h in Featured, Improve Lives, Latest News, News Archives, Strategic Plan
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Davis Technical College (Davis Tech) and the Utah Department of Corrections (UDC) announced the launch of three new certification programs for women at the Utah State Correctional Facility today. The programs, which include Automation and Robotics, Information Technology, and Web and Graphic Design, provide valuable skills and knowledge to help incarcerated women successfully transition back into their communities. “In a limited environment, I feel limitless,” said Heidi Rasmussen who is a current participant in Davis Tech’s new programs. “Knowing that I can control my future … maybe this time I’ll be more successful upon release now that I am more eligible for jobs.” Attendees had the opportunity to meet with program instructors and participants, witness live demonstrations of the skills being taught, and hear success stories from current and former program participants. "We're thrilled to partner with Davis Technical College to offer these valuable certification programs to incarcerated women," said Brian Redd, executive director of the Utah Department of Corrections. "We believe that education and vocational training are essential tools in helping individuals successfully re-enter society, and we're proud to offer these opportunities to the women in our care." The Automation and Robotics, Information Technology, and Web and Graphic Design programs are part of a larger effort by UDC and Davis Tech to provide incarcerated individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed upon their release. By partnering with educational institutions like Davis Tech, UDC is able to offer a wide range of vocational training and educational programs during incarceration. “For 13 years, Davis Technical College has enjoyed its partnership with the Department of Corrections to offer technical education to individuals who are incarcerated, giving them a running start toward success after their release. We had long hoped to add more training options for women, which the new prison has made possible,” said Darin Brush, president of Davis Tech. “Now more students there can benefit from short-term training that leads directly to high-demand careers in our community, which helps all of us.”...

21 Aug

Posted at 10:49h in Featured, Implement Strategically, Improve Lives, Latest News, News Archives, Strategic Plan
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The dozen or so men sat together in the visiting area at the Utah State Correctional Center, waiting for the ceremony to begin. They carried with them, however, the accomplishments of hundreds more who didn’t get the chance to be recognized. USCF recently held its inaugural graduation for those who have completed the Sex Offense Treatment Program, commonly known as SOTP. “We have over 200 individuals who have graduated since February 2022,” said Dr. Candice Waltrip, Supervising Psychologist with the UDC’s Programming Division and Director of SOTP. “This is the first chance we have had to celebrate since being in the new prison.” Approximately 35 percent of the incarcerated individuals in Utah’s prison system are serving time for a sexual offense. The Department’s treatment program is primarily housed at the Salt Lake City facility. Such treatment is ordered by the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole as a condition for parole consideration. Treatment takes approximately 17 months, depending on the individual’s identified behavioral stability, progress in treatment and overall risk level. Progress is measured not simply  by the completion of assignments or time spent in therapy. How hard an individual works, how motivated they are, and their willingness to incorporate changes freely to show commitment toward rehabilitation without exhibiting defensiveness are also considered. Which makes the recent commencement exercise at USCF so important. “It allows them to experience the real accomplishment of completing the program,” said Capt. Matt Huber, who oversaw the graduation services. “It’s an acknowledgement of the hard work they have put forth.”...

17 Aug

Posted at 10:46h 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 is proud to announce strategic appointments that underscore our commitment to fostering excellence and innovation within our team.  The Department is excited to introduce the following individuals to key leadership roles: Rebecca Brown - Deputy Executive Director: Bringing a wealth of experience from her tenure at the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, including her recent role as Assistant Deputy Director, Rebecca Brown joins us as Deputy Executive Director. Her involvement with a local community non-profit organization, which included significant work at the Salt Lake County Jail, demonstrates her deep commitment to our mission. Rebecca will officially assume her responsibilities on September 5, 2023. Jared Garcia - Deputy Executive Director: With over two decades of public safety service, including leadership positions within the Department of Public Safety and his most recent role as Chief of Police in Moab, Jared Garcia is appointed as Deputy Executive Director. Jared's extensive background in law enforcement positions him well to contribute to our goals. His official start date is October 1, 2023. Glen Mills - Director of Communications and Government Relations: Drawing from a distinguished career as a main news anchor, chief political correspondent, and host of Inside Utah Politics with ABC4, Glen Mills assumes the role of Director of Communications and Government Relations. His expertise in communications and public affairs, developed over more than twenty years, will play a pivotal role in advancing our department's visibility and outreach. Glen will officially begin on September 5, 2023. Eric Hutchings - Director of Legislative Affairs and Policy: With a robust legislative background, having served in the Utah State House of Representatives from 2001 to 2020, Eric Hutchings steps into the role of Director of Legislative Affairs and Policy. His extensive involvement in committees related to criminal justice and corrections positions him as a valuable asset in shaping policies that drive positive change. Eric's official start date is August 28, 2023. “These appointments mark a significant step towards our continued growth and excellence. Each individual brings unique skills and insights that will undoubtedly contribute to the success of our mission,” said UDC Executive Director, Brian Redd.  “We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to Jim Hudspeth and Chyleen Richey for their exemplary service as Deputy Executive Directors. We congratulate Jim on his well-earned retirement and express our appreciation for Chyleen's impactful contributions within our department and the criminal justice system. Chyleen and our leadership will engage in ongoing discussions about her evolving role within the organization.”    ...

16 Aug

Posted at 14:48h in Featured, Improve Lives, Latest News, News Archives, Strategic Plan
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The Utah Department of Corrections will begin a new program shortly, allowing eligible offenders to have a photo taken with their loved ones during an in-person visit. “It’s for the kids and families. A kid should have a picture with their dad and mom,” said Lt. James Gull, who oversees visiting at the USCF. “We believe it will aid in rehabilitation and reinforce family connections.” Eligible incarcerated individuals will be allowed to take the photo with their loved ones every six months. The images will be taken by the UDC and the department will provide the photo via the visitor’s registered email. “We will prescreen visitors to make sure they are eligible,” added Gull. “We will take the photo in the last 15 minutes of the visit.” For those who only get tablet visits, the department will take a photo of that offender and send it to the family annually. More information will be provided as the program gets underway....

14 Aug

Posted at 14:54h in Featured, Improve Lives, Latest News, News Archives, Strategic Plan
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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, or other insulating materials. The primary purpose is to create a sacred space where participants can engage in a ritualized sweat ceremony, often involving physical and spiritual purification.  “To me, the way I was raised, this is our way of life,” said volunteer Stephen Todachiny, who helped gather the materials and lead the ceremony. “Other denominations have their services and prayers, and this is our service and prayers. “I think it’s a very important part of their spirituality. To maintain balance,” Todachiny added. “A lot have drifted away from the “Red Road” (a balanced life path) and are looking to get back to that.”  The frame is usually constructed using flexible young saplings, in this case willow. They were bent into shape and anchored into the ground. Prior to the ceremony, participants used blankets and tarps to cover the structure. Volunteers, including Todachiny and “Xochi,” built a fire to heat rocks, which were eventually placed in a pit in the center of the lodge. Water was poured over the heated rocks to create steam.  Participants first gathered in a prayer circle, expressing themselves to the group. They then proceeded into the lodge. For many indigenous communities, participating in these ceremonies helps to maintain cultural traditions, strengthen communal bonds, and pass down teachings from one generation to the next. Julie Hauser, Ethnic Minority Resource Sergeant at USCF, noted that such services are heavily dependent on volunteers such as Todachiny. “Our volunteers for the Native American religious services play a vital role in preserving cultural and spiritual connections, fostering a sense of identity and community, and contributing to inmates’ overall well-being and rehabilitation,” she said. Communication Office, Liam Truchard...

02 Aug

Posted at 22:11h in Impact Globally, Improve Lives, Latest News, News Archives, Strategic Plan, Work Together
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[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 her life around for the better. Topics of discussion include the availability of education and programming within our facilities and Stevoni's transition from being under the supervision of AP&P to attending college and eventually landing as the Parole Access to Recovery Program (PATR) administrator and acting as a role model for individuals in situations similar to her own. Listen to the full podcast here.   Andrew Damas, Communications Office...

02 Aug

Posted at 22:06h in Featured, Improve Lives, Latest News, News Archives, Strategic Plan
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[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 now. It also allows them to be better prepared to successfully reenter society in the future. “What this does is it gives them on-the-job training before they get into our shops,” said UCI’s Jesse Gettler, based at the Central Utah Correctional Facility in Gunnison. “This is technology that's being used in the streets and as UCI advances their training programs, we want to stay consistent to that.” The headsets are similar to those used for gaming programs around the world. However, the programs are downloaded and installed on the devices, which do not connect to the internet. This allows UCI – a division of the Utah Department of Corrections – to maintain tight security at both CUCF and the Utah State Correctional Facility. “UCI was the first in the nation . . .  to be able to have our inmate participants use the Transfr headsets and utilize them in the most effective way possible,” said UCI Deputy Director Armanda Mercado. “We've also made a lot of contact with other correctional industries who have wanted to see how we were able to implement this, so that they can follow our footsteps.” Kate Kimmer with Transfr said that since initially partnering with UCI, the company has now joined with several other corrections departments, county jails and juvenile detention centers to utilize the headsets. “UDC has been a champion of innovation and opportunity,” she said. “They have worked hard to offer new ways to train and onboard new employees and familiarize incarcerated teammates with emerging technologies that upskill for jobs inside and careers outside the facility.” In addition to presenting the training, the system tracks participants, enabling supervisors to see what programs have been completed and providing feedback of what participants are missing. Cole Munoz was one of the first UCI participants to don the googles and leap into the metaverse. “I jumped right on it and took off with it. I didn't want to get off of it,” he said. “It's pretty cool. To be able to strap that on and get the training and just to actually play with it is a privilege, honestly.” UCI’s Leigha Harris, who helps individuals get up to speed on using the headsets, said Munoz’s experience is common. Most love the opportunity, she said, because it’s outside the normal day-to-day experiences of incarceration. Plus, it gives them the chance to see what their friends and family on the outside have been doing. Participation is voluntary and, surprisingly, Harris said not everyone was keen to go virtual. “Quite a few offenders did not want to try it at all. And I think a lot of that is based in fear,” said Harris. “Some of them have never even had an Xbox or a Super Nintendo for that matter.” Once past the initial stages, most are on-board with the program, she says. “I've only had one that said, ‘Nope, this is not for me,’” Harris said. “He tried it and found out this is not his world.” Mercado said as UCI expands its shops, it will offer more programs on the headsets.   Communication Office, Liam Truchard...

18 Jul

Posted at 22:13h in Hot Topics, Impact Globally, Implement Strategically, Improve Lives, Latest News, News Archives, Strategic Plan, Work Together
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[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 this newer housing model. Curious to find out more? You can listen to the whole interview here....

18 Jul

Posted at 07:49h in Featured, Hot Topics, Improve Lives, Invest in Staff, Latest News, News Archives, Strategic Plan
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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 the Salt Lake Mosquito Abatement District.   Every incarcerated individual will have access to the repellent, but the method in which they use the lotion depends on their housing location. Some will have it available during times when movement is permitted in their sections. Others will have open access monitored by correctional staff. Those in restricted units will be offered the lotion as they are escorted to recreation yards. “We take the concerns about mosquitos seriously and are working to alleviate as many concerns as possible,” said Spencer Turley, an Assistant Deputy Executive Director at the UDC. “We are grateful for the funding and support from the Governor's Office and the Legislature that allowed us to offer this repellent to all incarcerated individuals and staff for free. We are also thankful for the ongoing support and partnership with the Salt Lake Mosquito Abatement District.”   In addition, Utah Correctional Industries is in the process of designing and creating secure dispensers for the lotion. This will allow greater access to the repellent.  Individuals may still purchase their own repellent via commissary, and use the lotion as needed.    Thanks to support in the Utah State Legislature, the UDC has partnered with SLCMAD for a multi-pronged mitigation effort. The plan includes aerial spraying, insecticide applications, traps and other preventative measures. You can learn about other efforts the UDC has been working on with the abatement district on our website. You can also hear about mosquito abatement at USCF in our Conversations With Corrections podcast featuring abatement district officials. More information for roll out and utilization of the repellant will be forthcoming.   ...

17 Jul

Posted at 12:41h in Featured, Improve Lives, Latest News, News Archives, Strategic Plan
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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 journey. The impressive lineup featured a diverse array of performers, including Mike Robinson, Anthony Kish, Sterling Allan, Albert Givens, Jeff Meyer, Daniel Senior, Jeff Finlayson, Brad Freeze, Alex Perkins, Roger Rynhart, Mike Strickland, Joel-Lehi Organista, Charles Sargent, Ron Kelly, Desean Goins, Brett Hancock, Brandon Sappington, Justin Brinkerhoff, Jessie Mirelez, James Featherstone, and Chaplain David Bokovoy. Their captivating acts spanned various genres, ranging from soulful musical performances to heartfelt poetry readings. In addition to the live performances, individuals from the Bear Highside Housing Unit who didn't take the stage contributed their artistic talents by crafting unique items such as stuffed animals, hats, and other art pieces. These creations were thoughtfully displayed just outside the chapel where the event occurred, adding an extra touch of creativity to the atmosphere. Ensuring that everyone had the opportunity to enjoy the show, a live stream of the event was broadcasted by the UDC on tablets for those in higher security housing units who couldn't attend in person. Furthermore, a recording will be available to all incarcerated individuals via their tablets. The recorded performance will also be shared on YouTube, enabling friends and family members of the participants to share in the joy and celebrate the talents of their loved ones. James Featherstone, who served as the host and emcee, delivered an outstanding performance, keeping the audience engaged and creating an enjoyable atmosphere. Support services were provided by Paul Kimbal, contributing to the seamless execution of the talent show. The success of this event would not have been possible without the dedication and efforts of Lt. Dunford and Chaplain Bokovoy, who played instrumental roles in bringing the event to life. Special recognition goes to the LDS Bear River Branch Volunteers, whose hard work behind the scenes truly made a difference and helped create a memorable experience for everyone involved. The Bear Highside Housing Unit talent show not only entertained and uplifted the spirits of the incarcerated individuals but also demonstrated the transformative power of art and the positive impact it can have on the rehabilitation process. It served as a testament to the remarkable talent and resilience of those we supervise.   Alec Langton...