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 individual’s environment. Rather than housing individuals based primarily on their custody level or time served, this model aligns housing placement, privileges, and programming with demonstrated positive conduct and accountability.
A Safety-First Approach: We want to assure families and the public that this behavioral accountability model is designed with a safety-first focus. By establishing predictable incentives for good behavior and immediate, predictable regression for serious violations like violence or weapons we are actively protecting the compliant majority of our population.
We view education, treatment, and programming not just as rehabilitation, but as a core security strategy that supports violence reduction and overall institutional stability.
Upcoming Facility Resets and Property Matrixing: As we roll out this framework, you may hear from your loved ones about facility “resets” and property “matrixing.” To prepare for this transition, we are currently asking incarcerated individuals to take proactive responsibility by self-assessing their personal property to meet expected facility standards.
To support them, our staff are increasing their engagement on the housing units to ensure that all rules, property limits, and expectations are uniformly and fairly communicated, and enforced across all facilities.
The Tiered Housing Model represents a shift toward structured motivation. By providing a clear, predictable path to success supported by active staff engagement, we are working to foster a safer environment that promotes meaningful rehabilitation and successful reentry.
Tiered Housing: What You Need to Know: The following is the defined criteria for each Tier. Each tier is split into three stages. Progression through each stage is required to reach the next tier. Privileges and incentives are progressively attained through each tier and stage.
Tier 1 Standards
- Classification levels 1 and 2
- Tier 1 stage 1 privilege level Aa-Ab
- Tier 1 stage 2 privilege level Bc-Bd and Cc-Cd
- Tier 1 stage 3 privilege level De-Df
- OMR will screen c-notes/write-ups
- No positive UAs or reduction in privilege and stage
- Must maintain CAP compliance or reduction in privileges/stage will occur
- Must be able to live in mixed recreation in order to progress to transition section in tier 2 housing.
Tier 2 Guidelines
- Classified as level 3 and 4
- Tier 2 stage 1 privileges E and F
- Tier 2 stage 2 privilege level G
- Tier 2 stage 3 privilege level H and I
- OMR will screen c-notes and write-ups
- No positive UAs or reduction in privilege and stage
- Must maintain CAP compliance or reduction in privileges/stage
- Must hold yourself to property matrix
- Failure to progress beyond an E level may result in Tier 1 housing.
Tier 3 Guidelines
- Classified as level 3 and 4
- Must maintain a privilege level of H or I
- Must hold yourself to property matrix
- Must not have had a positive UA in the last year
- Must not have had an A charge in the last year
- No B write ups in the last six months
- Must be CAP compliant
- No STG activity
- Must engage in productive time, work/volunteering/programming.
- OMR will screen C-notes from the last 60 days
- Inmates with a violent history need to be screened by OMR.
- SUTP/SOTP can adjust from these guidelines for programming needs
These criteria, privileges, and incentives may vary by housing unit and are subject to change to accommodate the safety, security, programs, and management needs of the facility.