09 Jul

Posted at 15:48h in News Archives
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[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text] Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates Page updated 06/29/2021 Visit coronavirus.utah.gov for statewide information. See updates below in the "Latest Update" section for more information regarding outbreaks at the Utah State Prison in Draper and the Central Utah Correctional Facility in Gunnison. Have specific questions regarding COVID-19 and your incarcerated family member or friend? Please contact our hotline at 801-545-5505.   __________________________________________________________   UTAH RESPONSE: The Utah Department of Corrections (UDC) is working collaboratively with state partners — including the Lieutenant Governor’s task force — to address Coronavirus in Utah. The safety of incarcerated individuals or those on supervision, along with our staff, volunteers and others who interact directly with our Department, is paramount. As Coronavirus cases in Utah continue to increase, please know that we have outbreak strategies in place, which include prompt medical care and testing, and quarantining or isolating staff or incarcerated individuals. These updates will be shared via this webpage and social media. For more information on the virus, and for state-related updates, please visit the website: https://coronavirus.utah.gov/. Learn more extensively about the many steps UDC has taken to ensure the safety and health of incarcerated individuals and those on supervision with the Department here: https://le.utah.gov/interim/2020/pdf/00002842.pdf   __________________________________________________________     THE NUMBERS: Total Confirmed Offender Cases to Date by Location *State and county jail incarcerated individuals are tracked together and totals would need to be requested from each county jail.  **At this time, the University of Utah Hospital requires that any inmate being transported to a hospital for any kind of care to be tested for COVID-19. **Starting May 20, 2020, prison intakes will be limited to Wednesdays. These will include intakes from all county jails and from Adult Probation & Parole. In direct consultation with local health officials, it was decided that these individuals will be in a cohort together for two weeks, and will each be tested for COVID-19 within 24-48 hours of arrival. Those who decline to be tested will be placed in a designated, separate area for two weeks. Please note that this increase in testing each week will reflect a spike in the overall number of inmates tested at the Utah State Prison in Draper and possibly a marginal increase at the Central Utah Correctional Facility in Gunnison. Updated 06/25/2021 (COVID-19 case counts will be updated at least once per week). Total Confirmed Staff Cases: 416 Total Recovered Staff Cases: 411 Updated 06/29/2021     __________________________________________________________     LATEST UPDATES:                                                                06/18/2021 Three staff members working in the Olympus Facility at the Utah State Prison in Draper have tested positive for COVID-19. The facility has been placed on quarantine. Visiting, and volunteer and religious services have been cancelled for the weekend. Testing will be initiated. Only a few individuals out of the 124 incarcerated individuals housed at the Olympus Facility have not received a COVID-19 vaccination. All incarcerated individuals have been offered the COVID-19 vaccine. More than 70 percent of incarcerated individuals have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at the Utah State Prison in Draper. 06/16/2021 Beginning June 18, 2021, the Utah Department of Corrections will resume in-person visitation. Each inmate will be allowed one (1) 40-minute in-person visit or one (1) 30-minute tablet visit per month. Visits must be scheduled in advanced and can be done here. Loved ones wishing to visit in person must follow our normal visiting rules and those needed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. To facilitate a safe visiting process, up to two (2) visitors at a time will be allowed. The following requirements will also need to be met by all visitors: Will need to be 18 and above Live in the same household (must be verified) Must not have been out of the country in the last 30 days Must not have been around anyone with Covid-19 for the last 14 days Must have a temperature less than 100 degrees when arriving on prison property Must wear a mask No physical contact between inmates and visitors will be permitted Due to the closure over the last year, please verify that you have current approval to visit by contacting the facility. If you have any questions, please contact 801-576-7013. Click here to see the video and in-person visiting schedules and to schedule a visit. Learn more about video visiting here: https://corrections.utah.gov/index.php/2014-10-30-20-13-24/14-visiting-information/1264-video-visiting 06/03/2021 The Utah Office of the Medical Examiner (OME) recently released examination results for two offenders who died while in the custody of the Utah Department of Corrections. The OME has determined that two additional fatalities were COVID-19 related. The total number of COVID-related deaths now stands at 18 incarcerated individuals, housed either at the Utah State Prison (USP) in Draper or the Central Utah Correctional Facility in Gunnison (CUCF). Many of the 18 had other complicating comorbidities listed in the OME reports as contributing to their death. In an effort to respect and maintain individual’s private medical information, UDC will not be releasing specific information on the additional deaths. However, both occurred in December 2020. The public website’s COVID-19 tracker has been updated to reflect the two additional COVID-19 related deaths. 05/24/2021 As of May 20, 2021, 58% percent of the state's incarcerated population housed at either USP in Draper, CUCF in Gunnison or as a state inmate housed at a county jail, have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The Utah Department of Corrections will continue to offer vaccinations to those who would like to receive one. New intakes will be offered the COVID-19 vaccination as staffing and vaccines are available. 04/30/2021 Utah Corrections to Resume In-Person Visits and Volunteer Services in June Utah Corrections to Resume In-Person Visits and Volunteer Services in June After more than a year, UDC will resume in-person visits and volunteer services in early June Starting in early June, in-person visiting, and volunteer and religious services, will resume at the Utah State Prison (USP) in Draper and the Central Utah Correctional Facility (CUCF) in Gunnison. “Our incarcerated population have not seen their family in-person for more than a year,” said Brian Nielson, executive director for the Utah Department of Corrections. “Throughout this pandemic the incarcerated have shown great fortitude in adhering to COVID-19 guidelines in order to help slow the spread of...

25 Jun

Posted at 10:00h in News Archives
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Like many of their high school counterparts, South Park Academy’s 2021 graduating class battled the challenges of learning in the time of Covid-19. But they faced additional obstacles, such as incarcerated students. And yet, in a multipurpose room inside the Promontory housing facility at the Utah State Prison, they gathered recently to celebrate overcoming any and all obstructions to achieve a goal. “It’s a sense of accomplishment,” said Jessie Mayorga. “It’s also motivated me to continue in the construction management field.” Mayorga was one of the 19 graduates from Promontory, which made up nearly half of the 40 students graduating from South Park this year. That number is lower than previous years, but Principal Todd Bird called it a win. “Considering this year, I feel really good about it,” he said. “We’re way above the average for a correctional institution.” He noted that while the pandemic forced other high schools online, that was not an option inside a prison. “There was a lot less direct teaching, more independent study,” he said. “It was mainly packets. Usually, they’re the supplement. But we were grateful we were still able to do that.” It was the penultimate graduating class for South Park, which first started teaching courses at USP in 1952 and was accredited in 1956. After the 2022 year, the Utah Department of Corrections will close USP and move to the new Utah State Correctional Facility in Salt Lake City. Just like typical students who move from one city to another, incarcerated students will be changing schools. That was not on the minds of this year’s graduates, however. In addition to the ceremony, they were treated to breakfast from Davis Technical College’s culinary class. Waffles, eggs, bacon, sausage and hash browns added taste to the satisfaction of finishing high school. “This year should have been super hard and super tough with Covid,” teacher Leah Sharitt told her students during breakfast, “and it wasn’t, thanks to you.”   Communications office, June 25, 2021...

16 Jun

Posted at 10:00h in News Archives
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Beginning June 18, 2021, the Utah Department of Corrections will resume in-person visitation. Each inmate will be allowed one (1) 40-minute in-person visit or one (1) 30-minute tablet visit per month. Visits must be scheduled in advance and can be done here. Loved ones wishing to visit in person must follow our normal visiting rules and those needed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. To facilitate a safe visiting process, up to two (2) visitors at a time will be allowed. The following requirements will also need to be met by all visitors: Will need to be 18 and above Live in the same household (must be verified) Must not have been out of the country in the last 30 days Must not have been around anyone with Covid-19 for the last 14 days Must have a temperature less than 100 degrees when arriving on prison property Must wear a mask No physical contact between inmates and visitors will be permitted Visitors will need to fill out this form when they check-in for their visit. Due to the closure over the last year, please verify that you have current approval to visit by contacting the facility. If you have any questions, please contact 801-576-7014. Click here to see the video and in-person visiting schedules and to schedule a visit.   Frequently asked questions concerning visiting Why are visits limited to only one per month? COVID-19 protocols are still stringent within congregate living environments, including correctional facilities. In order to facilitate in-person visiting, the Department is in accordance with state and local health departments, and CDC recommendations. These protocols — including social distancing — impact virtual visits, as they occur in our designated visiting areas. It's also important to note that our Department continues to work through technical difficulties, and several areas can only accommodate a certain amount of tablet visits at one time due to internet bandwidth limitations. We hope to accommodate more visits, both virtually and in-person, in the near future. We will continue to provide updates.   Will maximum security inmates have access to in-person visits? Yes, unless restricted by the offender's housing unit or privilege level.   Will the visits be a full barrier? What should families expect? Level 2 and barrier-restricted offenders will be a normal barrier, and non-restricted offenders will be at a table with a CDC-approved barrier. No physical contact will be allowed. Any contact will result in immediate termination of visit and suspension of visiting privileges.   When families fill out the google form will they receive a confirmation or reminder? They will receive a status email two to four days in advance.   Do families need to arrive early for their in-person visit? Families will need to arrive 15 minutes before their scheduled session starts. At 5 minutes before the session, we will no longer let people in for that session due to check-in requirements. Visitors will need to fill out this form when they check-in for their visit.   Communications office, June 16, 2021...

01 Jun

Posted at 10:00h in News Archives
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National shortages of various products and international supply chain issues are impacting Utah Correctional Industries' ability to get many of our products in commissary. UCI has dozens of products that are out-of-stock or awaiting shipping from vendors. UCI continues to look for other vendors for these products, but in the meantime, incarcerated men and women may not be able to get all of the food and toiletry items typically available to them. Please note, if an item is purchased and found to be out of stock, we will issue a refund to the person. We appreciate your patience while we manage this issue.   Communications office, June 1, 2021...

24 May

Posted at 10:00h in News Archives
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On the day before their graduation from the Utah Department of Corrections Pre-Service Academy, Class 318 gathered in the gym at the Fred House Training Academy. There were tears of joy. A small ceremony was held. People spoke about commitment. They offered “thank-yous” to those that provided support. Hands were shook. Hugs were shared. This is a feel-good story. But it’s not the one the group expected when the class started nearly four months ago. It’s not about the cadets that survived training. It’s about the one that survived. “From the heart, thank you,” said Richard Shuck, a 55-year-old recruit from the Weber County Sheriff’s Department. “The depth of my gratitude, I can’t express.” He was speaking to his former classmates, training academy instructors and members of the Draper City Fire Department – all who had a hand in saving him after a massive heart attack following a training run nearly took his life. “You brought me back,” he said. “You gave me a chance.” On the fateful day about seven weeks into training, the cadets were completing what many consider the toughest part of physical fitness test: a timed 1.5-mile run. Shuck finished in the allotted time. “We were getting ready to go to class when he passed out in front of us,” said Sgt. Justin Ivey, a member of the training academy staff who witnessed the incident. “Then it looked like he had a seizure.” At that point, Capt. Christopher Crane of the training academy and Adult Probation and Parole Agent Chris Facer – who was there to support his wife, a member of Class 318, in her quest to join the UDC – began life-saving measures. While the two did CPR on Shuck, Ivey called 9-1-1. Despite the traumatic nature, several cadets found ways to help. “(The class) did an awesome job. They were amazing,” said Ivey. “They wanted to help. They responded very well.” Emergency responders from Draper Fire arrived and took over. They utilized a defibrillator device and were able to detect a heartbeat and other vital signs as Shuck was loaded into the ambulance. He was rushed into surgery soon after arriving at the hospital. “I didn’t find out until he had made it through surgery,” said Ginny Shuck, Richard’s wife. “He’s getting better slowly, but he’s OK. “Today is a good day.” Joining Ginny Shuck were other family friends, like Maj. Gen. Michael Turley, Adjutant General of the Utah National Guard and Air National Guard who said he has known Shuck for 15 years. They listened as Draper Fire Battalion Chief Kevin Holt noted this was National Emergency Services Week and introduced those that were on the call that day. He also praised the UDC staffers, noting their efforts were key to the successful outcome. So did Shuck, who recounted that doctors told him he had a type of heart attack known as a “widowmaker.” “One of the nurses told me she had never seen someone survive one,” he said. After a 31-year career in the Army that saw him retire as a Lt. Colonel, Shuck said he joined the Weber County Sheriff’s Department as a correctional deputy because “he wanted to be around people who cared.” On this day, surrounded by his rescuers, he thanked them for caring. Not just about him, but for others as well. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate what you did,” he said, “and what you do.”   Communications office, May 24, 2021...

31 Mar

Posted at 10:00h in News Archives
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(4/21/2021: This story has been updated with information on rates and contact numbers.) The Utah Department of Corrections will move its phone system at the Utah State Prison in Draper (USP) and the Central Utah Correctional Facility (CUCF) in Gunnison to the new vendor Global Tel*Link Corporation (GTL). The new system will go live on April 5, 2021, for USP and April 7, 2021, for CUCF. The rates going into effect are lower than with the previous vendor. Exact costs are listed below. As implemented at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department will continue to provide 10 free 15-minute phone calls per week. Additionally, GTL has committed to provide one free five-minute phone call per incarcerated person per week for the life of the contract. Rates and Charges for Inmate Telephone Services will be as follows: The per-minute-of-use call rate shall not exceed the maximum rates authorized by the state’s telecommunication regulatory authority (“PUC”) and the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”). Interstate ITS calls made using a collect format: $0.23 per minute of use, plus tax. Interstate ITS calls, whether made using a debit, prepaid/AdvancePayTM format: $0.19 per minute of use, plus tax. Local and Intrastate ITS collect calls: $0.12 per minute of use, plus tax. Local and Intrastate ITS calls, whether made using a debit, prepaid/AdvancePayTM format: $0.10 per minute of use, plus tax. International ITS calls, whether made using a debit, prepaid/AdvancePayTM format: Rates published on the Company website. (UPDATE: Some users may see a credit on their GTL account to correct previous billing issues prior to April 15. Not all accounts had issues and therefore will not receive a credit.) Families and friends of incarcerated individuals can set up their account here: https://web.connectnetwork.com, or by calling 877-650-4249. NOTE: Connect Network is the only authorized website to set up a prepaid account with Global Tel*Link. Other web pages with similar names may exist, but are not associated with GTL. The following handout will be posted and distributed to the incarcerated population regarding the transition to GTL this weekend: https://corrections.utah.gov/images/Utah_DOC_New_Pin_Debit__1.pdf FAQS:  Q: Will I need to set up a new account? A. Yes, you can set up a new account https://web.connectnetwork.com or call 877-650-4249. To add funds you can call ConnectNetwork at (800) 777-2522. Friends and families can deposit funds online or over the phone. Incarcerated individual's funds will be transferred over from CenturyLink to the GTL phone system if you had a balance it will be ported over. Q. How will my incarcerated loved one know of the change? A. Informational flyers have been posted in all sections throughout our facilities, and flyers have been distributed. Q. Who can I call if I am having trouble with the change over? A.  All customer service numbers are on the website above and via phone at: (800) 777-2522 Q. How will this impact video visiting? A. Video visiting is facilitated through a different vendor, and the UDC does not anticipate any impact. Q. Will phone services be disrupted as you transition from CenturyLink to GTL? A. The change will be instantaneous, and we do not anticipate an interruption in phone services.   Communications Office, March 31, 2021 (Updated April 21, 2021)...

22 Mar

Posted at 10:00h in News Archives
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Video visiting is now available at most housing units at the Central Utah Correctional Facility in Gunnison. CUCF now joins Utah State Prison as having video visiting available. Schedules for both CUCF and USP can be found here. Prior to scheduling your visit you will need to have taken these steps to renew your visiting application and have sent a photo ID. You can learn more here. Once the application has been approved, schedule a visit here.   Communications office, March 22, 2021...

30 Jan

Posted at 10:00h in News Archives
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Nearly all of the Utah State Prison (USP) in Draper incarcerated individuals 70 years or older will receive the COVID-19 vaccine, according to Utah Department of Corrections officials. Last week the clinical services team personally screened and offered the vaccine to every incarcerated individuals 70 years and older at USP, with 79 individuals agreed to receive the vaccine. The initial rollout of the vaccine began Jan. 25. 2021. The most high-risk and medically compromised individuals are housed there due to proximity to USP's infirmary and local hospitals. Nghia Cano’s last birthday qualified her for the vaccine. She said it was not a difficult choice to make. “I think the (danger) with COVID is worse than any problems with the vaccine,” she said moments before receiving her first dose. Octogenarian Mary Hansen echoed Cano’s sentiments. “That COVID is going around and I don’t want to get it,” she said, adding, “I’m in the class that ought to get it.” Medical staff at the Draper facility said inmates are well aware of the impact the virus has had on older Americans and those with underlying medical conditions. Both the Utah State Prison and the Central Utah Correctional Center have experienced outbreaks recently. “Oh, yeah, it’s very relevant,” said Craig Jensen, a registered nurse who is the infectious disease coordinator for the Clinical Services Bureau, the UDC’s medical arm. “It’s a concern to them. They ask questions all the time. They know they are high risk.” Even a few who declined the vaccine are keeping their options open, said Rodger MacFarlane, a RN with the department. “One told me he was not going to get it yet, but hadn’t made up his mind,” recalled MacFarlane. That was not the case for Alavina Floirreich, who quietly waited her turn in the Timpanogos Womens Facility. She was determined to get the vaccine – and her reasoning was simple. “Because I do not want to be sick,” she said....

25 Jan

Posted at 10:00h in News Archives
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We are excited to announce that we will launch video visiting across the Utah State Prison in Draper beginning February 1. We are still working on technical issues within maximum security, but we remain hopeful that in the coming weeks we will be able to roll out video visiting there as well. Prior to scheduling your visit you will need to have taken these steps to renew your visiting application and have sent a photo ID. You can learn more here: https://corrections.utah.gov/index.php/home/alerts-2/1260-udc-begins-testing-of-video-visiting-system We hope to have a virtual portal to sign up for visits, but for now, you will need to email uspscheduleavisit@utah.govto schedule your visit. Schedules can be found here. Visits must be scheduled two business days in advance (with the exception of Feb.1 through Feb.3) Inmates will be limited to one visit per scheduled day. Visits that are cancelled due to technical issues (internet being unavailable, Power outages, etc.) will not be made up. We appreciate your patience in advance as we roll out this opportunity. You can learn more here. Video visiting has also launched at the Central Utah Correctional Facility....

17 Dec

Posted at 10:00h in News Archives
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[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: ThrIVE Instructions: Step 1: Apply to be a Utah Department of Corrections Visitor Visitor Application Form & Renewal (PDF) The visitor may submit a completed visitor application form and a completed visitor consent form to Utah State Prison Visiting or Central Utah Correctional Facility Visiting. Visitors may submit applications for themselves and for minors. Once you have the forms, please complete the portion marked “Visitor Section.” Please attach the appropriate personnel documentation as described on the back of the application form, or as specified by visiting staff. Step 2: Email a copy of your government issued photo ID to uspvisiting@utah.gov (Utah State Prison in Draper) or cucfvisiting@utah.gov (Central Utah Correctional Facility in Gunnison). Directions for attaching a photo ID:  Please take a picture of your photo ID with a cell phone. Make sure the picture is a close up of the entire ID. Once the picture is taken, please share it via email to uspvisiting@utah.gov or cucfvisiting@utah.gov, with the following information: 1. Incarcerated person’s full name, offender number, housing assignment 2. Visitor’s first, middle, last, and maiden (if applicable) name, email, and phone number 3. Nature of relationship to the incarcerated person (wife, mother, brother, etc.) NOTE: visitors cannot be reviewed or approved without the above information sent. Upon submission, your application will be reviewed and verified by the Utah Department of Corrections. Following, you will receive an email with details on how to schedule a call.   Communications office, Dec. 17, 2020...