Utah, a state located in the western region of the United States, has a complex history when it comes to prisons and incarceration.
With a current population of approximately 3.2 million people, Utah’s prison system has evolved over time to meet the changing needs and attitudes of the state’s citizens.
From the early days of territorial prisons to modern-day correctional facilities, Utah has grappled with issues such as overcrowding, funding, and rehabilitation efforts.
In this article, we will explore the history and current state of Utah’s prison system, including its facilities, policies, and challenges.
State Prisons
| Prison Name | Location | Inmate Capacity | Security Levels | Gender | Operator/ Manager |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Utah Correctional Facility | Gunnison, Utah | 1800 | Maximum | Mixed (male & female) | Utah Department of Corrections’ Division of Institutional Operations |
| Utah State Correctional Facility | Salt Lake City, Utah | 168 | Maximum | Mixed (male & female) | Utah Department of Corrections’ Division of Prison Operations |
Central Utah Correctional Facility
The Central Utah Correctional Facility, also known as the Gunnison Prison, is a prison located in Gunnison, Utah. This facility is one of two prisons managed by the Utah Department of Corrections’ Division of Institutional Operations.
The prison has a capacity of 1,550 inmates and houses both male and female offenders. Additionally, the Central Utah Correctional Facility is home to Utah’s death row for women.
The facility offers a variety of programs to help inmates prepare for re-entry into society, including education, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment.
While the prison has faced challenges with overcrowding in the past, efforts have been made to improve conditions for inmates and staff alike.
Utah State Correctional Facility
The Utah State Correctional Facility, located in Salt Lake City, is one of two prisons managed by the Utah Department of Corrections’ Division of Prison Operations. The new $1 billion facility covers 170 acres and houses both male and female prisoners in separate facilities.
These facilities range from minimum security to supermax, including men’s general population, restricted men’s population, men’s geriatric and mental health population, and female inmates.
The prison complex replaced the former Utah State Prison in July 2022 and upon opening, 2,464 inmates were transferred to the new facility. Although the Utah State Correctional Facility is barely visible from the freeway, it is a major part of the state’s correctional system.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Utah_Correctional_Facility
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utah_State_Correctional_Facility