Image of Richard Piatt, UDC Director of Communications and Government Relations

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.

UDC News

Featured image for “Utah State Correctional Facility awarded highest-level accreditation for quality health care services”
July 6, 2026

Utah State Correctional Facility awarded highest-level accreditation for quality health care services

The Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and its Division of Correctional Health Services, has earned accreditation from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care by demonstrating compliance with NCCHC’s nationally recognized standards of care for correctional health services in prisons.   Accreditation recognizes DHHS’ commitment to providing quality health services for the incarcerated population. Both of Utah’s correctional facilities,
Featured image for “Second-Chance Career Fair Set For July 15”
June 30, 2026

Second-Chance Career Fair Set For July 15

Struggling to find dedicated, hardworking talent in today’s market? Join the Utah Department of Corrections at the Second-Chance Career Fair and connect directly with a motivated, untapped workforce ready to make a difference. The event takes place from 9 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, July 15 at the West Jordan BHTC Building, 8523 S. Redwood Road in West Jordan. Engage with
Featured image for “Kids Day A Success At USCF”
June 19, 2026

Kids Day A Success At USCF

Family visiting took on a whole new meaning at the Utah State Correctional Facility recently. Over two days and four sessions, incarcerated individuals with the highest privilege levels were allowed to hug, carry and play with their children during Kids Day. “This event is so special,” said Trisha Reynolds, Intergenerational Program Director for the Reentry and Rehabilitation Division at the
Featured image for “USCF, CUCF To Offer Special Weekend Property Pickups”
May 28, 2026

USCF, CUCF To Offer Special Weekend Property Pickups

Those wishing to pick up property from a loved one incarcerated at the Utah State Correctional Facility or the Central Utah Correctional Facility will have unique weekend opportunities in June and July. At USCF, these special pickups will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, June 6 and 7, plus July 11 and 12, at the facility,
Featured image for “Snow College Holds Inaugural Graduation At CUCF”
May 27, 2026

Snow College Holds Inaugural Graduation At CUCF

The 24 individuals who received Associate Degrees and Certificates from Snow College during a graduation ceremony Tuesday, May 26, made a little history. The students were the first ever first graduating class for Snow since it began participating in the Utah Department of Corrections’ Prison Education program. And the ceremony marked the first such event for the school at the
Featured image for “Gov. Spencer Cox Visits IRIS Center”
May 27, 2026

Gov. Spencer Cox Visits IRIS Center

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox came to the Utah Department of Corrections Administration building recently to tour the new Intelligence, Reentry, Intervention, Safety (IRIS) Center. The IRIS Center is a critical operational hub that transforms how the UDC gathers, analyzes, and acts on intelligence every day. From watching live feeds on the center’s “Big Board” monitor to getting a demonstration on
Featured image for “UPDATED: UDC’s Transition To New Tiered Housing Model Begins”
May 14, 2026

UPDATED: UDC’s Transition To New Tiered Housing Model Begins

The Utah Department of Corrections is currently implementing a strategic operational shift at the Central Utah Correctional Facility (CUCF) and the Utah State Correctional Facility (USCF) known as the Tiered Housing Model. This new model shifts our facility management from a traditional classification-based system to a behavior-based housing framework. Our central operational philosophy is simple: behavior and compliance determine an
Featured image for “UDC Transitioning Tablets For Incarcerated Individuals”
March 16, 2026

UDC Transitioning Tablets For Incarcerated Individuals

The Utah Department of Corrections is entering a transitional period as we move from the Orijin tablet platform to the Viapath system.  This transition is designed to improve long-term service reliability, expand programming capabilities, and enhance communication tools for incarcerated individuals. During this period, tablet availability will be temporarily reduced while new tablet systems are installed and activated. Transition Timeline
Featured image for “UDC Now Accepting Applications To Citizens’ Academy”
March 10, 2026

UDC Now Accepting Applications To Citizens’ Academy

The Utah Department of Corrections is now accepting applications for the Third Annual Citizens’ Academy, running from August to October 2026. Interested parties have until June 1, 2026 to apply. The comprehensive 10-week program is designed to increase the public’s knowledge of the various divisions within the Utah Department of Corrections. Instruction will cover a variety of topics each week,
Featured image for “Staff, Incarcerated Workers Complete First Joint ServSafe Certification At USCF”
March 3, 2026

Staff, Incarcerated Workers Complete First Joint ServSafe Certification At USCF

The Utah State Correctional Facility recently expanded workforce training opportunities by hosting its first ServSafe Manager certification course that included both staff and incarcerated workers. Twenty-three students participated in the training, including eight USCF Culinary employees and fifteen incarcerated workers who voluntarily enrolled and paid the $170 course tuition themselves. The program marked the first time incarcerated individuals at USCF