10 Dec

Posted at 14:07h in Hot Topics
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The Utah Department of Corrections is hosting a Community Town Hall at 6 p.m., Monday, December 16, 2024, at the Fred House Academy, 14727 Minuteman Drive, Draper. Join us for an important discussion and stay informed about our community initiatives. In-person attendance: Submit your info for clearance by noon on Friday, December 13. Each attendee must submit their info. Virtual attendance: Join us live on our YouTube Channel if you can’t make it in person! For questions, contact Esekia "Skee" Afatasi at esekiaafatasi@utah.gov. Don’t miss out! Get your submission in by the deadline!...

02 Dec

Posted at 11:32h in Hot Topics, Latest News
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To curb the introduction of mail contraband, the Utah Department of Corrections is implementing a new incarcerated person(s) mail delivery process. Effective January 6, 2025, incoming mail from friends and family must be sent to Pigeonly Corrections’ mail processing center. Incarcerated Individual Name - Offender ID Number Utah State Correctional Facility -1700 PO Box 96777 Las Vegas, NV 89193 Incarcerated Individual Name - Offender ID Number Central Utah Correctional Facility -1701 PO Box 96777 Las Vegas, NV 89193 Pigeonly will operate the mail processing center. They will open all non-privileged mail and scan them into a digital color copy. The digital color copy will be printed and delivered to USCF or CUCF. Originals will not be returned to the sender but temporarily stored and then securely destroyed. Pigeonly’s Accepted Mail Requirements All mail must have a return address Envelopes must be no larger than 4 in. x 9½ in. Letters must be on paper that is no larger than 8 ½ in. x 11 in. Greeting Cards must be no larger than 5 in. x 7 in. Postcards must be 5 in. x 7 in. Photographs must be 4 in. x 6 in. (limit to 10 photos per parcel)   How is privileged legal mail handled? Attorneys will continue to send privileged legal mail directly to the UDC facility for delivery to their incarcerated clients. Attorneys will need to register beforehand at this link: Privileged Mail by Pigeonly. Once registered, attorneys will have access to create a one-time use QR code sticker, which must be affixed to the envelope. Incarcerated person(s) Name – Inmate ID # Utah State Correctional Facility PO Box 165300 Salt Lake City, UT 84116 Incarcerated person(s) Name – Inmate ID # Central Utah Correctional Facility PO Box 550 Gunnison, UT 84634   Public Legal, Government, or Business Correspondence? Those wishing to send official public legal, government, or business correspondence should send the letter directly to USCF or CUCF. These letters may be subjected to a search. If it is determined that mail sent directly to USCF or CUCF is from friends or family, it will be denied. Examples of non-privileged special correspondence that should be sent directly to USCF or CUCF: Courts and court staff Government office and/or entity Attorneys office Attorney General's Office Congress Embassies and consulates The United States Department of Justice State governors Members of the State Legislature Schools Banks/Credit unions Law enforcement officers in their official capacity Incarcerated person(s) Name – Inmate ID # Utah State Correctional Facility PO Box 165300 Salt Lake City, UT 84116 Incarcerated person(s) Name – Inmate ID # Central Utah Correctional Facility PO Box 550 Gunnison, UT 84634 Pigeonly’s Prohibited Mail Mail with glitter, rhinestones, stickers, or glued items Wax paper letters Shaped-cut photos or papers Letters written on tiny papers or sticky notes Crystals, religious tokens, coins, toys, keychains, stickers, artwork items Unused/blank envelopes, paper, stationary, and stamps Newspaper clippings Envelopes: Express or Priority/hard mail/bubble type/large thin paper envelopes Stapled items Books, booklets, magazines, or anything spined Greeting cards that are overly thick, electronic, fold-out, 3D, have pop-ups, or are oversized Polaroid photos and photographs from 3rd-party vendors (ex. Shutterfly) Official documents Bulk mail Documents you do not want destroyed, such as Birth certificates, driver's licenses, social security cards, etc. Any type of legal mail Envelopes written in light or colored ink Illegible envelopes All forms of money (if unopened): cash, checks, coins, gift cards, credit cards, etc. Any prohibited mail will be returned to the sender   Frequently Asked Questions   Why is this new mail delivery process needed? Postal mail remains an access point to introduce contraband into correctional facilities, which poses a significant health and safety risk. This new process will increase safety while allowing incarcerated individuals to continue corresponding with loved ones in a timely manner. How does the new mail processing system work? Non-legal mail is sent via PO Box to a central processing facility operated by Pigeonly. All non-legal postal mail is opened, screened for contraband, and scanned into an electronic document that closely resembles the original hardcopy, including color. The scanned mail is shared electronically with the correctional facility through a secure dashboard for further screening and review. The scanned mail is printed at Pigeonly’s processing facility and shipped to the designated UDC facility for distribution to the incarcerated recipients, eliminating the risk of contraband. How long does it take for an incarcerated individual to receive non-privileged mail? Within 24 hours of receipt, Pigeonly will open and scan incoming mail, share the electronic scan with the UDC for further screening, and then print and prepare the mail for shipment. Printed mail is delivered via Priority Mail to the designated correctional facility and will be received within 1-3 days of shipment. How long is mail held at Pigeonly’s processing facility? Original copies of postal mail are held for 45 days. After this period, it is destroyed. I sent mail to an incarcerated person(s), and it was returned as undeliverable. Why? It may have been returned because it violates the mail policy. All received mail will be inspected for prohibited materials. Mail that contains the following will be flagged and is subject to being marked as undeliverable: nudity, explicit sexual material, obscene material, violent language, promotion of violence, and contraband such as, but not limited to, weapons, drugs, or items of an unknown substance or odor.   I'm a formerly incarcerated individual and want access to all my scanned mail pieces. Can I get a copy of them? After release, formerly incarcerated individuals can email support@pigeon.ly with their name/inmate ID # to download their scanned mail items for free. I would like to request my original parcels (sender) All mail is held at our mail processing facility for up to 45 days. If you would like to request your original parcel back, please email support@pigeon.ly within that 45-day period. Please be sure to include all the information for the sender and recipient as written on the envelope. Once received, we will return the parcel to the original sender as listed on the envelope....

02 Dec

Posted at 07:07h in Latest News
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Gov. Spencer Cox visited the Utah State Correctional Facility on Monday, December 2, speaking to Utah Department of Corrections staff as well as incarcerated individuals at the site. Cox first met with staff, where he was introduced by UDC Executive Director Brian Redd. Cox shared his thoughts on leadership and dealing with conflict. The governor also spoke about his appreciation for the work UDC employees do with those in their care. After his presentation, Cox then visited with incarcerated individuals housed in the Bear 2 section of USCF. He listened to a presentation from leaders of the SOLID program before dropping in on a seminar in one of the sections, taking a few moments to speak with those in attendance. We appreciate Gov. Cox for his time and support of the department....

01 Nov

Posted at 08:20h in Latest News, News Archives
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Sharon D’Amico has been named the new warden at the Utah State Correctional Facility (USCF) in Salt Lake City. She replaces Bart Mortensen, now promoted to be the new chief of the Reentry and Rehabilitation Division. This move is a first in the history of the Utah Department of Corrections (UDC), as female wardens now lead both facilities. D’Amico brings a great deal of experience and knowledge to the warden position. She started her career in January 1997 as a correctional officer at the Utah State Prison in Draper. Her career progressed as she was promoted to sergeant and later to case manager, where she honed her leadership skills and deepened her knowledge of programming for the incarcerated population. D’Amico’s dedication and drive led to further promotions, first to lieutenant and then to captain, where her focus expanded from housing operations to internal and external security. Upon transitioning to USCF, she effectively applied her expertise, being promoted to deputy warden over internal security, support services, facility operations, and the receiving and orientation unit. UDC Executive Director Brian Redd stated, “Warden D’Amico has been dedicated to uplifting her team, providing them with the resources and guidance necessary for success. In her new role, she aims to prioritize staff development and wellbeing while fostering a culture of empowerment and service, which are all key parts of UDC’s mission, vision, and values.” USCF opened in Salt Lake City, Utah, in July 2022, replacing the Utah State Prison facility in Draper. It houses approximately 3,000 incarcerated males and females and offers vocational training, life skills courses, high school and college education, and treatment programs for substance use, mental health, and sex offenses. It also offers work programs through Utah Correctional Industries....

23 Aug

Posted at 12:32h in Hot Topics
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After a long break, our family orientation sessions are making a comeback! It's an opportunity for family and friends of those incarcerated with the Utah Department of Corrections to ask questions, and learn about everything they need to know to support their loved ones. The family orientation is set for 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, September 5, at the Fred House Academy, 14727 Minuteman Drive, in Draper. During this gathering, officials will outline information on all areas of the prison, including mail, property, accounting, visiting, phone use and case managers. Those wishing to drop off visiting applications (including copies of IDs and documents) may do so at this event. For information, contact corrections@utah.gov. ...

06 Mar

Posted at 08:58h in Latest News, News Archives
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The Utah Department of Corrections is warning visitors not to bring contraband to its facilities after four were arrested in eight days for attempting to pass drugs to inmates. In one of the more brazen cases, an incarcerated offender made a hole in the plexiglass barrier during an attempt to receive an illegal substance from a visitor. That inmate, Kevin Zamora, has been arrested by the UDC’s Law Enforcement Bureau (LEB). The visitor, Diana Cruz-Rodriguez, 26, was also arrested by LEB and booked on suspicion of having items prohibited in a correctional-mental health facility, possession of a controlled substance and damage to jails. “Those who bring drugs and other contraband to our facilities will be held accountable and we will prosecute,” said Mike Schoenfeld, director of LEB. In another incident, a visitor was observed putting an item in a crayon box used by children during visits. It was later determined to be an illegal substance. That visitor, Chirine Touati, 44, was also arrested on suspicion of having items prohibited in a correctional facility. Other arrests include Anjeliatt Flores, 20, also on suspicion of having items prohibited in a correctional facility. The fourth is being screened for charges. Thanks to new investigative techniques, Schoenfeld added officers have information on possible future “deliveries,” and are keeping an eye on specific individuals. Schoenfeld noted the presence of drugs – and the trafficking of it in a correctional facility – is a safety issue. Some groups fight for control over distribution, and there can be retribution for those who incur drug debts. There are also concerns that families with incarcerated loved ones can be threatened and extorted. “Narcotics in our prisons also lead to assaults on offenders and staff,” he said. “So, it’s not just harming those who use it, it’s a concern for everyone.” The UDC is highlighting these recent incidents to remind visitors the department will do whatever it takes to eliminate illegal drug use in its facilities. These incidents may also lead to greater restrictions on visits overall, which the department considers a vital link in keeping families with incarcerated members connected. Along with this focus on reducing the drug supply, the UDC is also dedicated to utilizing its resources to maximize treatment and rehabilitation opportunities for incarcerated individuals. We see this as a critical step in preparing them for a successful, drug-free reentry to our community....

18 Dec

Posted at 10:50h in Latest News
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It looked like a courtroom, complete with flags and the state seal.  There was a judge, prosecutors and a defense attorney. The defendant was brought in to face charges. It featured real pleas and real sentences. Yet those facing incarceration didn’t have to wait to be transferred to prison. They were already there. The courtroom had come to them. For the first time in its short existence, the Utah State Correctional Facility was the location for a Third District Court session. Presided over by Judge Matthew Bates, 15 cases were heard in a pilot program to improve court efficiency. “This is something new and we’re trying to figure out what cases we can take,” Judge Bates said to one defendant during the session Friday, December 15. Held in a room usually reserved for Utah Board of Pardons and Parole hearings, the court session was a year in the making, said Brian Kenney, who was recently appointed the director of the UDC’s new Safety, Risk, and Standards Division. “The goal is to streamline the process and reduce transports,” he said, noting that the day’s events eliminated the need to shuttle 15 offenders to a courthouse. “It’s getting more inmates in front of the court. And it’s 100 percent safer.” All defendants were already incarcerated. These were charges they acquired while in custody or pending charges they had open. Of the 15 cases, five resulted in guilty pleas, all misdemeanors. When court wasn’t in session, downtime was spent talking about current events and who had the best breakfast that day. Afterward, all parties held a debriefing to discuss what went well and what could be improved for the next one. Everything from what time to have incarcerated offenders ready to the configuration of the courtroom itself was examined for improvement. And there will be a next time. The second event will take place January 12, with monthly hearings set through April. The docket will rotate between Bates and Judge Barry Lawrence. All agreed that, for the first time out, it went smoother than anticipated. “I think it was successful,” noted Kenney. “Now we have to refine the process.”...

20 Nov

Posted at 11:05h in Hot Topics
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Choices. Decisions. Challenges. Growth. Those were some of the topics that incarcerated offenders spoke about recently during a public awareness panel at the Central Utah Correctional Facility. The panels are designed to help the public understand events that lead to incarceration and the realities of prison life. During the presentations, inmates share their individual stories and answer questions. In addition to promoting public understanding, the interactions give inmates an opportunity to reflect on their own actions and bad decision-making, while providing a cautionary tale to at-risk youth and others. The panels were frequent before the pandemic, but were shuttered due to Covid-19 issues. They have recently been offered at both facilities. This was the second panel at CUCF since the program restarted. “It all comes down to choices,” said Ben Rettig, a member of the panel. “It came down to my choices, not those around me.” Slowly at first, students from nearby Snow College soon began peppering the three panelists with questions from day-to-day living to philosophical positions. Each of the three took turns answering. “I have a lot of potential for growth, as long as someone nurtures that,” said Rettig, adding that taking advantage of all the education programs in prison “is huge” in promoting change. Even so, they all realize there will be obstacles if and when they are released. For Quentin Hurlich, who will spend more than three decades incarcerated, the task at times seems daunting. “I have never used a smartphone, never been on the internet,” he said. “For me, trying to adapt, it’s going to be a challenge.”...

26 Oct

Posted at 14:00h in Hot Topics, News Archives
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It’s common in Utah to hear about the opening of a facility connected to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. What’s uncommon about the West Valley Transition Branch is its targeted congregants: Those recently released from prison looking to continue the growth they made while incarcerated. The Great Salt Lake District recently held an open house for the branch, tucked in an industrial section of West Valley near the I-215/201 interchange. Visitors included a number of leaders from both the church and the Utah Department of Corrections. “We want this to be a place for them to progress,” said Don R. Clarke, president of the Great Salt Lake District, which oversees the West Valley location and six branches inside the Utah State Correctional Facility. “We provide an environment where they can (continue to) change. They have changed. But they can change back without support.” Open to men and women, but not children, the location currently only has men attending. Branch President Mark Oborn noted that while participants were able to meet regularly during their incarceration, the location of many churches in the community – as well as the makeup of their congregations – often prevented members from attending there. Also, most such locations are not oriented to aid those recently released from prison. “Typical wards and stakes are not set up to help them,” said Oborn. “We’re set up that way. Whatever their needs are, we want to help them.” For Steven Nuttall, released from prison in January after 18 years, the branch “is a safe space.” “There is no circumstance we’ll break parole,” he said while greeting visitors during the open house. “But it isn’t about not doing something, it’s about being engaged in life.” In addition to providing a safe place to worship, the facility provides other resources, such as clothing and help with transportation. But both Oborn and Clarke say attendees aid each other as well. “They help each other as much as we help them,” noted Clarke. “What we do is give them hope – and love.” ...

20 Oct

Posted at 14:58h in Hot Topics
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For the 18 women dressed in white gowns and hats, it was a day to celebrate – even while being incarcerated. The women were taking the morning to acknowledge their completion of the Elevate program at the Utah State Correctional Facility. The drug-treatment course is part of programming the women have received in efforts to help them overcome addiction and successfully reenter society. Completion of Elevate is not an easy task, noted program director Danna Lindermann. Each participant must average a minimum of nine dosage hours of treatment. It includes core curriculum of Cognitive Behavioral Interventions for Substance Use, Cognitive Behavioral Intervention Skills group, Relapse Prevention, Seeking Safety and Transition Group. “Graduates, today you are more than a person in recovery,” Lindermann said during her welcome speech. “You are a survivor, a valuable and important person, worthy of love and acceptance. Today, we honor you.” She added that of the graduates, three received their 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Certification, four completed Culinary Arts, two completed Business Tech courses (with one in process), two are in process of completing robotics courses, and three have completed their high school degree or GED. With friends and family looking on, several of the graduates took to the podium to express their appreciation for the program and for the chance to have a future different than their past. “It’s been life altering,” said Becky Golly, speaking of the chance to change. “I’m letting go of all my guilt.”...

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