In 2013, the Utah Legislature and Governor’s Office determined it was necessary to transition operations from the current prison in Draper (a more than 70-year-old campus) to a new facility. The overarching goal of this move was to replace the outdated facilities and aging infrastructure with a new, state-of-the-art facility. The Utah State Correctional Facility (USCF) officially began operations in July 2022. This 200-acre correctional facility is located five miles west of the Salt Lake City International Airport and is currently equipped to house just under 3000 incarcerated individuals.
Research shows that a prison population’s surroundings play a crucial role in their psychological rehabilitation. Therefore, the Prison Relocation Team determined that the design of the new correctional facility must be well-thought-out. It must integrate multiple functions, delivering court and social services to the population while providing an environment conducive to recovery and rehabilitation.
USCF features floor-to-ceiling windows in numerous housing sections, allowing those housed at the facility to enjoy natural light and views of the surrounding mountains. The design also focuses on programming and mental health care, even providing a space for a mothers and infants program. This program aims to provide incarcerated mothers the opportunity to be with their infants while incarcerated.
Contact
1480 N. 8000 W.
Salt Lake City, Utah 84116
Phone: 801-522-7000
2575
individuals
*Data updated: 03/08/23
Facilities
Bear
These buildings will house male inmates who could qualify for work, programming and education opportunities.
Currant
Currant houses geriatric, ADA and medical dependent inmates, as well as inmates requiring mental health treatment and attention.
Green
The Green Building is for inmates who are participating in Sex Offender or Substance Use treatment programs.
Warden
Robert Powell
Robert Powell is the warden of the Utah State Correctional Facility.
Powell has served with the Utah Department of Corrections since 1986, when he began his career as a correctional officer at the prison. He has had the opportunity to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on behalf of diverse populations.
During his career he has served in positions of leadership from sergeant through lieutenant, captain and deputy warden. Powell accepted the appointment to associate warden in October 2014. He was named warden in October 2019.
Among his many accomplishments during his career, he has had the opportunity to open buildings, implement restrictive housing, transition O-track, enhance recognition of female offenders and has been committed to the development of staff.