Utah Prisoner Advocate Network

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Utah Prisoner Advocate Network We provide a safe and understanding place for supporters of the incarcerated to connect. Learn more at https://linktr.ee/utahprisoner.

The Utah Prisoner Advocate Network is a 501(c)3 nonprofit and 100% volunteer grassroots community outreach organization that aims to simplify the incarceration process for the inmates’ supporters—while also advocating for better conditions inside Utah jails and prisons. We do this primarily by educating the public through monthly support meetings and newsletters, an open dialogue with the Utah Department of Corrections / county jail administrations, legislative advocacy, guest speakers, coalition forming, and a shared network of useful resources. Instead of membership, our network constituents are formed by volunteers, criminal justice advocates, industry professionals, expert advisors, coalition organizations, formerly incarcerated individuals, and over 1,000 Utah families of the incarcerated and growing.

10/18/2026

Update (October 8, 2026): Utah Department of Corrections Lockdown Status October 13, 2026/Featured October 8, 2026: The Utah Department of Corrections continues to monitor the safety and security of our facilities regarding the continuing partial lockdown. The following update is effective October 8...

🚨 UDC UPDATE: Current Lockdowns, Visitation & Programming at USCF and CUCFUpdated Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 7:11 PM M...
10/18/2026

🚨 UDC UPDATE: Current Lockdowns, Visitation & Programming at USCF and CUCF

Updated Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 7:11 PM MDT

UPAN has received an updated operational advisory from Armanda Mercado, Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Utah Department of Corrections (UDC), outlining the latest restrictions at both state correctional facilities.

This information supersedes the earlier operational update shared today and includes clarification from Deputy Commissioner Rebecca Brown.

UTAH STATE CORRECTIONAL FACILITY (USCF)

🔴 MODIFIED LOCKDOWN

Antelope & Emerald

* Visitation: Canceled until further notice.
* Volunteer programs and religious services: Unavailable.

Bear 1 & Bear 2

* Visitation: Canceled until further notice.
* Volunteer programs and religious services: Unavailable.

🟡 LIMITED SERVICES

Bear 3, Bear 4 & Currant

* Visitation: Continuing as scheduled.
* Volunteer programs and religious services: Unavailable.

🟢 NORMAL OPERATIONS

Dell, Green & Fremont

* Visitation: Continuing as scheduled.
* Volunteer programs and religious services: Operating on standard schedules.
* Fremont has returned to normal operations.

CENTRAL UTAH CORRECTIONAL FACILITY (CUCF)

🔴 MODIFIED LOCKDOWN

Tiers 1 & 2: Aspen, Birch, Cedar, Hickory & Ironwood

* Visitation: Canceled until further notice.
* Volunteer programs and religious services: Unavailable.

🟢 NORMAL OPERATIONS

Tier 3: Elm, Fir & Gale

* Visitation: Continuing as scheduled.
* Volunteer programs and religious services: Operating on standard schedules.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR FAMILIES

These operational adjustments follow recent security incidents and ongoing safety assessments at both facilities.

Please confirm your loved one’s current housing location and visitation status before traveling. Restrictions may change as conditions develop.

UDC has indicated that additional advisories will be provided as updated information becomes available.

HAVE INFORMATION OR CONCERNS TO SHARE?

We encourage families to continue sharing information they receive from their incarcerated loved ones, including concerns about lockdowns, communication access, visitation, and living conditions.

📧 [email protected]

Your reports help UPAN identify concerns, compile information, and seek clarification directly from UDC. We do not share your identity with corrections without your explicit permission.

We recognize how stressful these ongoing restrictions have been for incarcerated individuals and their families, especially when communication is limited and visits are canceled.

We appreciate Armanda Mercado, Deputy Commissioner Rebecca Brown, and UDC leadership for working to provide more detailed operational information over the weekend.

UPAN will continue sharing updates as reliable information becomes available.

Utah Prisoner Advocate Network (UPAN)

Source: UDC operational advisory from Armanda Mercado, Director of Strategic Initiatives, updated October 17, 2026, at 7:11 PM MDT.

10/17/2026

The Fourth District Judicial Nominating Commission has selected six nominees to fill two upcoming vacancies on the Fourth District Court following the retirements of Judge Derek Pullan and Judge Kasey Wright in December 2026.

The nominees are Rebecca Buchert, Patrick Finlinson, Michael Hinckley, Samuel Pead, Richard Roberts and Meagan Rudd.

📝 Public comments are welcome. Written comments must be submitted by noon on October 25, 2026, to [email protected] or by mail to the Department of Criminal Justice, P.O. Box 142330, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-2330.

Following the public comment period, the nominees’ names will be forwarded to Gov. Spencer J. Cox for consideration. Any appointments are subject to confirmation by the Utah Senate.

10/17/2026

A Salt Lake City nonprofit that employs people facing barriers to traditional work has furloughed 110 employees as it struggles with a contract reduction and sharply rising insurance costs.

🚨 UPDATE: Reported October 16 Incident at Utah State Correctional Facility (USCF)We have received additional information...
10/17/2026

🚨 UPDATE: Reported October 16 Incident at Utah State Correctional Facility (USCF)

We have received additional information regarding the reported violent incident at USCF on Friday, October 16. UPAN Director Molly Prince spoke with Deputy Commissioner Rebecca Brown of the Utah Department of Corrections (UDC) this afternoon, October 17, and was able to obtain several important clarifications.

Here’s what we can share at this time:

• Incident: A gang-related incident occurred in the Bear 1 building at USCF on Friday afternoon, October 16.

• Injuries: Serious injuries were reported, but according to the information provided, there were no critical injuries.

• Hospitalizations: UDC could neither confirm nor deny whether any individuals were hospitalized due to department policy.

• Lockdowns: The incident resulted in additional lockdown restrictions beyond those already in place and those associated with ongoing housing transfers.

• Specific location: UDC was unable to disclose which housing unit within Bear 1 was involved or identify the specific groups involved.

• Investigation: The incident remains under active investigation, which limits the information UDC can release.

What does this mean for families?

We understand that many families are already experiencing considerable anxiety and frustration due to the extended lockdowns, interrupted communication, canceled visits, and uncertainty surrounding their loved ones. Unfortunately, we do not yet have a complete list of housing units affected by the additional restrictions. UDC is also working toward providing more regular updates on its website to help families stay better informed about ongoing conditions and restrictions.

A note from UPAN:

We know how frightening it is to hear about violence inside the prison, especially when you haven’t been able to speak with your loved one. If you have information that you’d like to share, please email us at [email protected]. We do not share your identity with corrections without your explicit permission.

We’re grateful to Deputy Commissioner Rebecca Brown for taking time out of her weekend to respond to UPAN’s concerns and share what information she could.

We’ll continue communicating with UDC and sharing updates as reliable information becomes available.

Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this incident and the families waiting anxiously for news.

UPAN Directors
Utah Prisoner Advocate Network (UPAN)

💜 FREE HEALTH RESOURCE FAIR | TODAY, OCTOBER 17!Healthy individuals and families help build stronger communities, and kn...
10/17/2026

💜 FREE HEALTH RESOURCE FAIR | TODAY, OCTOBER 17!

Healthy individuals and families help build stronger communities, and knowing where to turn for support can make all the difference.

The Salt Lake County Health Department is hosting a FREE Health Resource Fair today, bringing together community resources, education, and support services.

Whether you’re supporting a loved one through recovery, preparing for reentry, or simply looking for resources to help yourself or your family, this is a great opportunity to learn what’s available in our community.

📅 Saturday, October 17, 2026
🕚 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Salt Lake County Government Center
North Building Atrium
2001 South State Street, Salt Lake City

What you can expect:
✅ FREE naloxone (Narcan) kits
✅ Overdose prevention education
✅ Mental health resources
✅ Preventive care and wellness information
✅ Community health education and support

Substance use, mental health challenges, and access to healthcare can affect individuals and families both during incarceration and after returning home. Having access to reliable information and community support is an important part of building healthier futures.

Please share this with anyone who might benefit. You never know who may need these resources or how much of a difference connecting someone with the right support can make.

💜 Stronger communities start here.

10/14/2026

With millions in hand, Utah officials open up more help for homeless people with multiple low-level crimes. Officials say a renovated correctional center could help divert some of those people from jail.

10/14/2026

If society promotes forgiveness, why then are rehabilitated older men like my friend Stan left behind and forgotten?

Address

P. O. Box 464
Draper, UT
84020

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