Conversations With Corrections

Transitioning from incarceration back into the community is never easy. Finding stable employment is often the greatest hurdle—and, for many, it's the difference between a second chance and returning to prison. On this episode of Conversations with Corrections: Second Chances. We're exploring how the Utah Department of Corrections and our partners are bridging that gap between release and successf...

What does it take to get a government agency to communicate effectively? Modern internal communications strategy is transforming one of Utah's most complex agencies from the inside out. By integrating new technology tools and telling the agency's stories across multiple platforms, the Utah Department of Corrections and the public are becoming more connected than ever before. In this episode of Con...

In every part of our world, we are inundated with claims of new, advanced technology and tools that promise to revolutionize the way we work or live and disrupt whole industries. How do we sort through which are empty promises and which are real? In Corrections, it’s critical to stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in criminal justice technology and tools that will help us fulfill our missio...

Law enforcement is an important part of Corrections in Utah, but the role of law enforcement extends beyond the initial arrest and conviction. Within Corrections, law enforcement officers conduct investigations, assist and monitor parolees and probationers, train correctional officers, and respond to critical incidents. Their role is meant to help keep Corrections facilities and the community safe...

On this episode of the Conversations with Corrections Podcast, Utah Department of Corrections (UDC) Executive Director Jared Garcia is joined by Colonel Michael Rapich, the Deputy Commissioner of The Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS). UDC and DPS work together closely. As state agencies, we both play significant roles involving community supervision and public safety. And, we’re always lookin...

April is Second Chance Month. But how do we bridge the gap between serving time and freedom? That’s the role of Community Correctional Centers (CCC). Utah Department of Corrections' (UDC) Reentry and Rehabilitation Division Chiefs Bart Mortensen and Randall Honey share what happens at CCCs and how important they are for UDC's mission and communities.

It's the 2026 Legislative wrap-up episode of our podcast! This past legislative session came to a wrap with some key “Win’s” for the Utah Department of Corrections. We started the session prepared to cut 5% from our budget and we ended with great support from the Governor and Legislature. This episode features Utah Department of Corrections' Executive Director Jared Garcia and Public Affairs Direc...

What is the future of corrections and criminal justice? In a few short years, the Utah Department of Corrections has demonstrated there's a better way to transform lives in the criminal justice system than "the way it's always been done." Utah is poised to lead the way in fostering safer communities and providing opportunities for individuals to improve...through first-of-their-kind programs, inno...

The Utah Department of Corrections is in the midst of transformational change—and more is coming. We’ll be talking about what’s to come in future podcasts, but, on this episode of the Conversations with Corrections podcast, we are focusing on what’s been done and what’s underway. Richard Piatt, Communication Director for UDC, is joined by Executive Director Jared Garcia and Deputy Executive Direct...