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 “UDC addressing technical challenges in transition to new electronic records system”
August 19, 2022

UDC addressing technical challenges in transition to new electronic records system

The Utah Department of Corrections was slated in February to migrate to a new electronic records system that will improve operations overall; however due to delays with the contractor, the data migration began during the move to the new prison. We are now experiencing some technical challenges with that transition. Our medical team is working around the clock to address
Featured image for “Individuals promoted at Sergeant Pinning Ceremonies”
March 10, 2022

Individuals promoted at Sergeant Pinning Ceremonies

A number of individuals were promoted at Sergeant Pinning Ceremonies recently at the Fred House Academy in Draper and at the Central Utah Correctional Facility. Altogether, 30 of the 110 individuals who applied for sergeant passed the testing process. The process is both intimidating and difficult, including a written test, a practical test, a 15-minute panel presentation and interviews. “I
Featured image for “Employees honored at UDC awards banquet”
September 20, 2021

Employees honored at UDC awards banquet

  The Utah Department of Corrections celebrated the 2021 Department Awards event Wednesday at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi. More than 150 gathered at the event center to celebrate those who have gone above and beyond in their quest to make the corrections department one of the best in the nation. Jim Hudspeth, executive deputy director, led the presentation of the
Featured image for “Birds of prey make an appearance at Utah State Prison”
September 10, 2021

Birds of prey make an appearance at Utah State Prison

Incarcerated individuals housed in Timpanogos and Promontory got a couple of special visitors recently. Bob, an American kestrel, and Phoenix, a red-tailed hawk, made an appearance at the two facilities thanks to the conservation group The Peregrine Fund. Erin Katzner and Chris Parish showed off the two while being peppered with questions from attendees about the birds. Yes, the American kestrel is