
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.

April 12, 2023
Incarcerated Individuals volunteer to fill sandbags at Central Utah Correctional Facility
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

April 9, 2023
21 Cadets Graduate from Pre Service Academy
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

March 29, 2023
Pre Service Academy Class 331: Ready To Serve
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

March 22, 2023
UDC and Davis County Expand Programming and Reentry Services for Parole Violators
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

March 21, 2023
Diesel Brothers Make a Big Landing at Central Utah Correctional Facility
It’s not every day that a reality television star lands a helicopter on prison property, so they can share a message of hope with incarcerated individuals. Actually, it’s never been done in the history of Utah Corrections … as far as we can tell. Incarcerated individuals at the Central Utah Correctional Facility (CUCF) in Gunnison had the privilege of hearing

March 9, 2023
Utah Corrections Turns the Corner on Recruitment and Retention Efforts
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
March 9, 2023
2023 Spring Quarterly Commissary Bags Available Now
The 2023 Spring Quarterly Commissary Bags are now available from the Utah Department of Corrections’ commissary. Once on the site, enter the number of the incarcerated individual or use the search function to find the person by name. From there, you can compile a commissary bag. Please complete your order before March 19, 2023. For questions regarding the process, please

March 1, 2023
Corrections Provides Update on Ongoing Review of Safety and Security at USCF
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWuT7dvIz-U[/embedyt] The Utah Department of Corrections (UDC) provided an update today regarding an in-depth, ongoing review of safety and security at the Utah State Correctional Facility (USCF) in Salt Lake City. UDC noted several areas where improvements have already been made, and outlined short-term and long-term goals to ensure safety and security. “The safety of our staff and those

February 22, 2023
Irv Hale Named Deputy Director of Adult Probation and Parole
We’re excited to announce the appointment of Irv Hale as the Deputy Director for Adult Probation and Parole. Irv most recently served as the Region Chief for AP&P in Region IV. He began his career with the Department in 1990 at the Draper prison as a Correctional Officer. He worked in several areas, particularly South Point, and was promoted to

February 16, 2023
USCF extends duration of in-person visits
On March 1, 2023, the Utah State Correctional Facility will change the length of in-person visiting from one (1) hour to two (2) hours. Though there will be fewer visiting sessions, the additional visiting length will allow more visiting hours during the day. More visiting spots per session may be opened as needed due to demand. All offenders will still