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Legal EditorHenry Dahut, J.D.
Henry Dahut, J.D.
Attorney - Legal Publisher - Educator
Henry Dahut is a licensed California trial attorney. Over the course of his 30-plus years practicing law, Henry has represented and counseled countless clients in legal trouble.
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ContributorRobert Thomas
Robert Thomas
Prison Reform Expert
Robert Thomas is a Ph.D. candidate at Northwestern University, where his doctoral research focuses on mass incarceration, restorative justice and prison reform. His expertise includes critical legal studies and the political history of the United States prison system.
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The Utah Department of Corrections (UDC) oversees the state’s prison system, which consists of two primary facilities: the Utah State Prison in Draper and the Central Utah Correctional Facility in Gunnison.
As of 2021, Utah’s incarceration rate was 439 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average of 664 per 100,000.
Locating a Prisoner
You can use the UDC’s online Offender Search tool to locate a prisoner in the Utah state prison system. You will need the inmate’s name or offender number to perform the search.
Family Visitation Rules
Utah state prisons allow family visits, but visitors must be approved and follow specific guidelines. Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitor list, schedule visits in advance, and adhere to the prison’s dress code and conduct rules.
The frequency and duration of visits may vary depending on the facility and the inmate’s custody level.
Prison Security Levels
The Utah state prison system classifies inmates into different security levels based on offenses, criminal histories, and behavior.
The security levels are:
Level 1: Minimum security
Level 2: Medium security
Level 3: Close security
Level 4: Maximum security
Level 5: Intensive management
Prison News
Inside The New Utah State Prison
Pros & Cons of the Utah State Prison System
PROS
- Lower incarceration rate compared to the national average
- Focus on rehabilitation programs, such as education, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment
- Implementation of evidence-based practices to reduce recidivism.
CONS
- Overcrowding in facilities can lead to increased violence and reduced access to programs.
- High staff turnover and difficulty recruiting and retaining correctional officers.
- Concerns about inadequate medical and mental health care for inmates.
Rehabilitation Programs
The Utah Department of Corrections offers a variety of rehabilitation programs to help inmates develop skills, address underlying issues, and reduce the likelihood of recidivism. Some of the major programs include:
Education
- Adult Basic Education
- High School Equivalency classes
- Vocational training in areas such as welding and construction
Substance Abuse Treatment
- Residential Substance Abuse Treatment
- Individual and group therapy
- Crisis intervention
- Psychiatric medication management
Life Skills and Reentry Programs
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Employment readiness training
- Parenting classes and family reunification support
Faith-Based Programs
- Religious services and study groups
- Volunteer-led mentorship and support programs
Article Sources:
Utah Department of Corrections Facilities
Prison Policy Initiative – Utah Incarceration Rates
Utah Department of Corrections – Visiting Information
Utah Department of Corrections – Custody Levels
Utah Department of Corrections – Programming
Utah Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice – Evidence-Based Practices
ACLU of Utah – Overcrowding in Utah Prisons
Disability Law Center – Inadequate Medical and Mental Health Care
Utah Department of Corrections – Programming
Utah State Board of Education – Prison Education
Utah Department of Corrections – Substance Abuse Treatment
American Psychological Association – Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy:
UTAH STATE PRISONS:
Draper Prison
14425 Bitterbrush Lane
Draper, Utah 84020
Telephone:
801-576-7000
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate’s Name, ID Number
Utah State Prison
P.O. Box 250
Draper, UT 84020
Gunnison Prison
255 East 300 North
Gunnison, Utah 84634
Telephone:
435-528-6000
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
CUCF
P.O. Box 550
Gunnison, UT 84634
