The utah department of corrections (UDC) oversees approximately 3,500 inmates across various facilities, facing increased safety and security risks due to incidents, staff shortages, and environmental…

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) awarded a $707,990 Project Grant under the Body Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program (CFDA 16.835) to the Utah Department of Corrections (UDC) to equip 742 correctional officers at the Utah State Correctional Facility (USCF) and the Central Utah Correctional Facility (CUCF) with body-worn cameras. The grant will fund the purchase of the cameras, associated software and licenses, as well as comprehensive training to enhance transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency within UDC's correctional facilities. This initiative builds upon a successful 60-day pilot program that demonstrated positive impacts on inmate behavior and compliance. The grant aims to provide audio-visual evidence to support case adjudication, improve investigations, and promote overall transparency within UDC's operations.

The utah department of corrections (UDC) oversees approximately 3,500 inmates across various facilities, facing increased safety and security risks due to incidents, staff shortages, and environmental adjustments. To address these challenges, UDC initiated a pilot body camera program in may 2024, deploying 50 loaner cameras from two (2) different vendors to correctional officers (COS) across multiple housing units at the utah state correctional facility for a 60 day trial period. Early results show positive changes in inmate behavior and increased compliance, with body cameras deterring misconduct and aiding investigations through visual evidence. With the grant, UDC aims to initiate a program to equip all COS at the utah state correctional facility (uscf) and the central utah correctional facility (cucf) with body cameras (approximately 742 officers across both facilities). The rollout will include comprehensive training, adhering to UDC body camera policy to enhance transparency, accountability, operational efficiency, community and stakeholder awareness. The body cameras will address limitations of existing surveillance by providing audio-visual evidence, improving investigations, and holding all parties accountable. The footage will support case adjudication, aid in training, and promote transparency within the agency. The grant will fund the purchase of cameras, software, licenses, and training, with a total funding request of $1,484,000.00 this initiative aligns with udcs commitment to enhancing safety, transparency, and accountability in its operations.