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

December 17, 2020

UDC begins testing of video visiting system

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6U0BuCQYpRM[/embedyt] UPDATE: Learn more about how to set up your visit here. We are beginning the testing phase of the Utah Department of Corrections’ video visitation system. We need your help to complete this testing phase. We cannot begin full-scale implementation until the testing phase is complete. In order to help us test, please do the following as soon as possible:
Featured image for “Holiday Gift Bags Available to be Purchased Online”
November 1, 2020

Holiday Gift Bags Available to be Purchased Online

To the families and friends of incarcerated individuals, We’d like to offer you the opportunity this holiday season to send your loved one a holiday gift bag through our commissary services. On our website is a step-by-step guide on how families can make an order online. There is a limited stock so when they are out that is it.  Incarcerated
Featured image for “Despite challenges, pumpkins delivered to students with special needs”
October 30, 2020

Despite challenges, pumpkins delivered to students with special needs

Traditions have been one of the many casualties of 2020. But the Utah Department of Corrections refused to let one go, even in a pandemic. Despite the obstacles the year has brought, offenders and staff members at Utah State Prison were able to deliver hundreds of pumpkins to children with special needs at Jordan Valley and Kauri Sue Hamilton schools.
September 4, 2020

Utah law enforcement officials issue statement on editorial cartoon

A letter signed by law enforcement officials in Utah — including Utah Department of Corrections Executive Director Mike Haddon — has been released taking issue with an editorial cartoon recently published in the Salt Lake Tribune. The drawing depicts columnist Pat Bagley’s interpretation of “The Deep Hate.” It features a representation of a law enforcement officer staring at an X-ray
Featured image for “Clinical Services Bureau earns Governor’s Award”
August 26, 2020

Clinical Services Bureau earns Governor’s Award

Like a number of his counterparts in the healthcare world, Tony Washington has been searching for ways to control costs while improving patient care. Washington has a few additional wrinkles that others don’t have to deal with, though. First, he is mandated by law to provide his patients first-rate care. Secondly, most, if not all, patients would rather not be in his “network.” Washington
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July 16, 2020

Real Transition class

Few doubt that going to prison can be challenging. Few realize, however, that leaving prison can also be daunting. As part of an effort to help offenders successfully transition back into the community, the Utah Department of Corrections offers the Real Transition program. Originally taught at Central Utah Correctional Facility in Gunnison, the program is now also offered at the
Featured image for “Serving Time Cafe closes its doors”
May 19, 2020

Serving Time Cafe closes its doors

The Serving Time Cafe, operated by Utah Correctional Industries, a division within the Utah Department of Corrections, has announced they are permanently closing operations effective immediately. “Out of concern for the ongoing health and safety of the Utah Department of Corrections staff and the people incarcerated in our facility, we have come to the difficult decision to permanently close the
Featured image for “Inmates create face coverings during pandemic”
May 7, 2020

Inmates create face coverings during pandemic

Midway through March of this year, Utah Correctional Industries had produced a grand total of zero face coverings in its history. By April 24, UCI had made 60,000 face coverings. By the end of May, that number could hit 130,000. That’s how quickly the arm of the Utah Department of Corrections was able to develop a face cover prototype, get
March 26, 2020

Utah Identifies Early Releases to Create Additional Capacity within Correctional Facilities

In collaboration with the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole, and support from the Utah Governor’s Office, the Utah Department of Corrections is initiating some early releases to create capacity within correctional facilities as confirmed cases of COVID-19 increase throughout the state. At this time there are no confirmed cases within the UDC facilities among either staff or inmates. The
Featured image for “HOPE”
March 3, 2020

HOPE

HOPE is housed in the Fir unit at the Central Utah Correctional Facility. The dormitory-style unit is capable of housing up to 288 inmates, with 48 inmates in each of the six sections. HOPE is organized as a therapeutic community aimed at helping inmates live clean, sober, positive and productive lives and typically takes 12 months to 13 months to