Of all the functions of government, the corrections system is one of the least visible to the average citizen. The Utah Department of Corrections (UDOC) has a daunting task, and little margin for error. With limited staff and resources, UDOC manages 6,900 inmates. Last year they processed 3,300 intakes and 3,100 releases.
One of their most important assignments is to prepare offenders to return to civilian life—without their criminal behavior. A large majority of inmates have some kind of learning disability and low levels of educational attainment and many deal with serious addictions. UDOC provides therapy to prisoners to address addictions, mental illness, and irrational thinking and behavior. They also help prisoners obtain their high school diploma and especially endeavor to teach new workforce skills so they can support themselves. Recidivism—repeat criminal behavior—is greatly reduced by therapy, education and job training. These programs are expensive and in high demand, but they provide a high return to the taxpayers by sparing the community from additional crimes and repeated incarcerations and by turning many felons into productive taxpayers. In fact, according to a recent PEW study, Utah’s corrections system experienced the second-most-dramatic drop in recidivism rates in the US, a reduction of 18.4 percent.
UDOC has seen excellent results from its Sex Offender Treatment Program, which addresses criminal sexual deviance. A staggering 30 percent of the prison population is serving time for sex-related offenses. Most will eventually serve out their time and be released. Therefore, we must be assured that these offenders are not likely to repeat their crimes. This treatment program is crucial, both to prepare inmates for civilian life and to prevent future victimization. Unfortunately the demand far exceeds the available slots.
UDOC also operates three therapeutic communities which immerse inmates in an intensive addiction treatment program. In light of the huge number of our inmates who struggle with substance abuse habits, addiction recovery is key to preventing future crimes.
UDOC has formed a task force of corrections officers and specialists to connect released offenders with jobs. Employment is often the greatest hurdle an offender will face upon release from prison, and is essential in preventing recidivism. To prepare inmates for future employment, UDOC helps them complete their GED and obtain certification in technical job skills.
When an offender is released from custody, UDOC doesn’t just forget about them. Through the Adult Probation and Parole program, UDOC attempts to identify warning signs that an offender might be regressing and more likely to commit a new offense. When warning signs appear, probation and parole agents proactively return offenders to prison or a violator centers before another crime is committed.
While UDOC operates these programs to help offenders succeed after release, the overriding purpose is to safeguard our communities. Notwithstanding large budget cuts, UDOC has made great strides in safely housing prisoners and in preparing inmates to return to society as productive citizens. Governor Herbert and I applaud the excellent staff at the Utah Department of Corrections for their success in working with offenders, reducing recidivism, and keeping Utah a safe place to live.
