12 Jun

Posted at 15:11h in Improve Lives, Latest News, News Archives, Strategic Plan
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A dozen students—under the supervision of the Utah Department of Corrections but housed in the Duchesne County Jail as part of the Inmate Placement Program—graduated from the Building Trades program offered through Uintah Basin Technical College (UBTech) on May 17.  The 14-week program, a staple at the county jail for 30 years, provides the opportunity for individuals housed there to build affordable housing for the surrounding community while learning and receiving certification for skills such as framing, electrical work, plumbing and woodworking. Graduates recently completed the first house built through the program since the program was suspended due to COVID-19. Opening remarks were made by Captain Jeremy Curry of Duchesne County Jail, Tim Miller and Kenneth Pugh of UBTech, and focused on looking forward toward the future by utilizing and further developing skills learned throughout the program, with Pugh referencing the book “Be Your Future Self Now” by Dr. Benjamin Hardy. After the graduates walked across the staging area to receive their certificates, Aaron K. Weights, President of UBTech, made closing remarks to encourage graduates to continue building upon the trust they earned by remembering three words he believes can take one far: Trustworthy, Kindness, Reverence.  Weights ended with a poem to remind graduates that limitations can be self-imposed.   “You can do anything you think you can, and you’ll never accomplish more, but if you’re afraid to try, there is little for you in store,  for failure comes from the inside first, it’s there if you only knew it,  but you can win though you face the worst, if you believe you can do it!”   One graduate utilized his woodworking skills to build his mother a jewelry box while still incarcerated. Others are looking forward to release dates and view the Building Trades program as a “stepping stone back into the community.”  Braxton Smith paroled six days after graduation. He plans to get a job using skills he learned in the program. He also plans to attend a culinary arts program. Smith stated it “felt really good to be trusted again after being a prisoner and being stigmatized for so long.” Another graduate plans to start his own business building sheds and cabinets. Technical skills aren’t the only ones learned through the program, however. Miller with UBTech notes that it helps build confidence and self-esteem in those who participate, which he thinks can be “more beneficial than learning residential construction” for those incarcerated. This sentiment is echoed by Pugh, an instructor with the program, who states that “a lot of these guys, all they need is an opportunity and greater self-esteem.”   Jade Watkin, Communications Office...

12 Jun

Posted at 14:01h in Improve Lives, Latest News, News Archives, Strategic Plan
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Family and friends gathered Friday at the Garfield County Jail to recognize incarcerated individuals who graduated from high school, treatment programs and technical colleges this year. The graduates are under the supervision of the Utah Department of Corrections (UDC), and are housed in the Garfield County Jail as part of UDC’s Inmate Placement Program.  Six students received their high school diplomas while 15 others earned certificates in graphic design, foreign language and computers. Five completed Dare to Soar, a substance abuse treatment program. The graduates are assigned to Garfield County Jail as part of the Inmate Placement Program (IPP), which manages the contracts between UDC and jails statewide. “We are proud of the hard work of all the offenders who graduated and of the programming staff for their time and commitment,” said Randall Honey, Director of IPP.  Approximately 25 percent of those in state custody are housed in county facilities across Utah. While in a contracted county jail,  incarcerated individuals are able to participate in programming and educational opportunities  as they would in a state correctional facility. Garfield County’s graduation ceremony – held outdoors and abbreviated by thunderstorms moving into the area – was one of many taking place at county facilities across Utah. “The relationship between the Sheriffs Association and the Utah Department of Corrections is extremely important and vital to the success of the offenders,” added Honey. “The county jails provide a variety of programs, classes, and work opportunities that the offenders can utilize for their progress.”  Congratulations to all.   Liam Truchard, Communications Office...

05 Jun

Posted at 18:58h in Featured, Improve Lives, Latest News, News Archives, Strategic Plan
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Salt Lake City, UT - Utah State Correctional Facility’s (USCF) inaugural high school graduation saw 38 incarcerated students, ranging in age from 22 to 56 years old, earn their high school diplomas during an event Monday hosted by the Utah Department of Corrections (UDC) and Salt Lake City School District. The graduation took place at the facility’s main visiting area, with families of the incarcerated and leadership from Salt Lake City School District, the Utah State Board of Education, and UDC in attendance. Students were allowed to visit with family members after the event, with a box lunch provided. Not all students were able to be in attendance today, as some have returned to their communities or transferred to different sites within the UDC to complete other programs. Chris Sullivan, Principal at South Park Academy, the school at USCF, noted it was the first time since 2019 the school was able to have a graduation ceremony due to the pandemic and a prison move from Draper to Salt Lake City. “With all these changes and uncertainty, there were so many opportunities for our students to give up hope,” he recalled. “And yet, when the teachers came calling, the students started showing up.” Students participated in high school education classes throughout the year in both the mens and womens facilities. Four provided remarks during Monday’s event. Graduate Jose Rios-Mojica noted he was “happy” to be there – not a statement usually made in a prison setting. “Maybe you don’t understand why I have this feeling,” he said. “It is not sadness, but it is joy. “It has given me an opportunity like today to be a better person.” Cesia Ortiz thanked her teachers for helping her push through both school and a treatment program. “When I first began school, I had little to no interest in furthering my education,” she said, noting her release was contingent upon completing programming, not high school. “I realized that to be truly successful on the outside, I had to graduate.” Salt Lake City Board of Education President Nate Salazar thanked the graduates for choosing the path that brought them to the ceremony this day, noting that their education will always be theirs. “And while today is a day of firsts,” he added, “don’t let today be the last accomplishment, but one of the many more yet to come.” In order to allow broader participation in graduation ceremonies moving forward, South Park Academy will be holding graduation twice a year: in June and December. This will allow more students to be present for their own graduation ceremonies prior to being paroled or continuing to other programs.   Liam Truchard, Communications Office...

24 May

Posted at 12:16h in Featured, Impact Globally, Improve Lives, Latest News, News Archives, Strategic Plan
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On Thursday, May 18, 2023, The Central Utah Correctional Facility (CUCF) hosted Dan Young, CEO of Utah-based companies PC Laptops and Xidax Computer, who inspired incarcerated individuals while speaking on how he achieved success in business and life.   Drawing from his own experiences, Young spoke about the significance of integrity, energy, and education for achieving financial success. He also asked the prisoners to write down a list of goals they hope to achieve.   The UDC, CUCF, and its incarcerated population extend their heartfelt thanks to Dan Young for sharing his invaluable insights. With the continued support of individuals like Dan Young and the commitment to rehabilitation in our correctional facilities, the journey towards transformation and successful reintegration continues for those in the Central Utah Correctional Facility.   [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9OAh65AgZQ[/embedyt]   Andrew Damas, Communications Office...

14 May

Posted at 11:36h in Latest News, News Archives
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May 21, 2023 As of May 21, there are 101 active cases of COVID-19 in women’s housing at the Utah State Correctional Facility in Salt Lake City.  Sections 2, 3, 4, and 5 at the Dell facility are all considered isolation areas.  The women in these sections have been provided with the appropriate personal protective equipment, including cleaning supplies and masks. We will continue to assess the situation over the coming days.  The Department continues to follow CDC guidelines and consult with state health officials. We continue to exercise extra caution in correctional settings because of the congregate living arrangements in correctional facilities. To prioritize the safety and well-being of all individuals, visiting and other programming services that require movement within the facilities are suspended in all areas designated for isolation and observation. We are also mindful of the fact many men and women in our facilities are affected by medical conditions that can lead to worse COVID outcomes. May 14, 2023 Last night several incarcerated women and staff members tested positive for COVID-19.  In order to prioritize everyone's safety, we have taken immediate action. The affected incarcerated individuals have been promptly isolated, while Sections 2 and 5 at the Dell Women's Facility have been placed under observation. These two sections will remain in observation status as we closely monitor the situation. We will reassess the situation over the coming days.  During this observation period, the individuals in the aforementioned sections will still be allowed recreational activities within their section, but visiting has been suspended. As an added precaution, all staff entering these sections will be required to wear masks and gloves....

13 May

Posted at 21:03h in Featured, Latest News, News Archives
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Earlier today, a fight involving multiple incarcerated individuals occurred in the restricted housing unit of the Utah State Correctional Facility (USCF), resulting in injuries. Two individuals were transported to the hospital with one individual being admitted for further treatment. No staff members were injured during the incident. To ensure the safety and security of everyone involved, the Utah Department of Corrections initiated a temporary lockdown of USCF and Central Utah Correctional Facility (CUCF), as a standard precautionary measure. During this time, incarcerated individuals will be restricted to their assigned cells and dormitories, with limited movement permitted until a further review is completed. The identities of the individuals involved in the incident are not being released at this time. More information will be available after an investigation is completed. USCF is located in Salt Lake City and houses approximately 2,200 incarcerated male and 400 female individuals. CUCF is located in Gunnison and houses approximately 1,700 incarcerated males.   Kaitlin Felsted, Communications Office...

10 May

Posted at 10:36h in Impact Globally, Invest in Staff, Latest News, News Archives, Strategic Plan
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Governor Spencer J. Cox, in recognition of the outstanding dedication and service exhibited by correctional officers, adult probation and parole agents, and other correctional professionals, has declared May 7-13, 2023, as "Utah Corrections Week" throughout the state. The proclamation highlights the critical role played by correctional professionals in maintaining safe correctional facilities, ensuring public safety through offender supervision in the community, and promoting the rehabilitation and successful reentry of individuals. It acknowledges the expertise and qualifications of these professionals and their unwavering commitment to upholding the law while providing care and guidance to offenders. Governor Cox's declaration recognizes the dignity with which correctional professionals uphold the law, simultaneously ensuring the public's protection from criminal activity. Furthermore, it acknowledges their role in providing offenders with direction, hope, and new perspectives, assisting them in their reentry into society. During "Utah Corrections Week," various events and activities will be organized to honor and celebrate the contributions of correctional professionals. The week also serves as an invitation to the public to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of correctional professionals and support the successful reintegration of offenders. Governor Spencer J. Cox's declaration of "Utah Corrections Week" aims to emphasize the vital importance of the corrections profession, commend the dedication and professionalism of correctional professionals, and raise awareness of their role in maintaining public safety and promoting rehabilitation throughout the state.   Kaitlin Felsted, Communications Office...

10 May

Posted at 10:34h in Improve Lives, Latest News, News Archives, Strategic Plan, Work Together
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On Thursday, May 4, 2023, Dave Durocher, executive director of The Other Side Academy and former TEDx speaker, addressed approximately 150 incarcerated individuals in the chapel of the Central Utah Correctional Facility in Gunnison.  During the hour-long event, Durocher spoke about his early life choices that led him to his first two-year term of incarceration, followed by behaviors in adulthood that led to additional sentences, totalling 21 years of prison time. After being sentenced to 22 more years, Durocher's desire to change granted him the opportunity to instead participate in a two-year, resident-run program called Delancey Street, where he stayed for eight years. Durocher shared how he managed the Los Angeles facility for the last five years of his stay and the many values he learned during his time at Delancey Street, expounding especially on accountability, learning how to successfully live in mainstream society, and how each person has the ability to change if they are willing to be honest with themselves and put in the work. During the last 30 minutes of his presentation, Durocher focused on fielding questions from the incarcerated individuals and spoke with them about The Other Side Academy, which is similar to Delancey Street....

05 May

Posted at 10:39h in Impact Globally, Latest News, News Archives, Strategic Plan
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Governor Spencer Cox's team issued the following press release this morning, May 5, 2023.  SALT LAKE CITY (May 5, 2023) – Utah Gov. Spencer Cox has appointed Brian Redd as the new executive director of the Utah Department of Corrections. This appointment is subject to the approval of the Utah Senate. “Brian brings a wealth of experience in management, logistics, security and law enforcement,” Gov. Cox said. “We’re excited he’s willing to re-enter public service and look forward to his vision and leadership of the Utah Department of Corrections.” For the past two years, Redd has been vice president and manager in the Compliance Division of Goldman Sachs, overseeing the PWM U.S. Surveillance Team and involved with the Firmwide Insider Threat Team. Prior to this position, he served for 21 years in the Utah Department of Public Safety, working up through the ranks from Trooper to Agent, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and Chief Special Agent. During his service, Redd served as director of the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and the Statewide Information and Analysis Center (SIAC). In addition to his public service, he’s also served on as a board member of Volunteers of America Utah, Solutions Utah, International Association of Chiefs of Police Committee on Terrorism, Utah Alcoholic Beverage Control Advisory Board, Utah Refugee Board of Advisors, Utah Crime Victims Council among others. Redd has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and an Executive MPA from Brigham Young University....

04 May

Posted at 09:34h in Improve Lives, Latest News, News Archives, Strategic Plan, Work Together
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Salt Lake Community College students finished up their academic year with a presentation to UDC staff members highlighting areas where they believe improvements could be made.  Incarcerated students participating in a communication class through Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) recently presented ideas regarding improvements that could be made at the Utah State Correctional Facility (USCF) in Salt Lake City.  SLCC’s Communications 1010 class highlights the elements of effective communication. The class primarily focuses on communication principles and practice applied in interpersonal, group, written, electronic, and oral presentation assignments.  The main presentation to officials with the Utah Department of Corrections focused on the movement of incarcerated individuals within female housing in the Dell Facility at USCF. Three other areas were also briefly highlighted, including providing each incarcerated individual an additional bin for food, having “natural light” moments, and requesting the opportunity for incarcerated individuals to share photos with their families.  The class was led by Norman Zurn, who has taught for more than 40 years at both the former Utah State Prison in Draper and USCF.  Zurn told the audience before the presentations kicked off that this was an opportunity for students to practice their newly minted communications skills. “Whether you take the time to do it is up to you, but what’s important is that we’re here to discuss,” Zurn said. “Please remember that this is difficult for our population to get up and give a presentation in front of an audience.” The first presenters, April Fain and Tuusao Ama, talked about wanting smaller bins for each individual to use for food to prevent pests, mice, and the mixing of their food items with their laundry.  The next presenters, Adrianna Lucero and Desiree Mike, requested that there be an opportunity for incarcerated individuals to have their photo taken and be shared with their families.  “This is my last semester before I graduate,” Lucero said. “It would be so great to share a photo of myself with my family in that setting.”  Heidi Rasmussen and Adrianna Lucero presented on turning off the lights for short periods of time on the weekend to allow for only natural light.  “In a big section where lights are off for a couple hours, it can make things calmer and quieter and a lot of women suffer from anxiety, depression and this could help,” Lucero said. The final presentation was given by Samantha Tuiman and Jennifer Mercier. Their subject focused on the movement of incarcerated individuals at USCF, which includes movement to programming, education, recreation and meals.  Presenters discussed concerns with inconsistency and delays in moves. Their solution was to work with staff to provide incarcerated individuals with more autonomy through a tracking board. They noted a similar system was instituted at the former prison in Draper.  All the presenters – who expressed appreciation for the opportunity to speak – said they recognized that it was ultimately up to the administration to implement their recommendations.  For their part, several staff members expressed their appreciation for the speakers and noted that they looked forward to continuing the conversations.  “We see you, we hear you and we care about you,” said Chyleen Richey, UDC Executive Deputy Director who was in attendance. “ I know that things have been difficult and we are trying our very best, but we know that we can do better. I so appreciate you coming up with solutions and putting yourselves out there.”  According to David Bokovoy, director of prison education for SLCC, they anticipate a 93 percent completion rate for women participating in SLCC classes at USCF.   “I think that is something to feel good about and celebrate,” Bokovoy said. “I’m proud of you and I think our future is bright. There is a lot of work to still be done, but there are people who truly care.” . . . ...