Conversations With Corrections

The Utah Department of Corrections

Conversations with Corrections is the official podcast from the Utah Department of Corrections (UDC). Each episode features discussions with department leadership, staff, incarcerated individuals, or stakeholders, on the topics of reentry and rehabilitation and meeting the challenges of modern corrections with innovation and strategy. The Utah Department of Corrections is working together to transform lives and protect communities.

Episodes

  1. Staying Ahead of the Tech Curve in Corrections

    May 18

    Staying Ahead of the Tech Curve in Corrections

    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 mission of improving lives and protecting communities. The Utah Department of Corrections stays on top of all of that with the help of Kristine Holt, Director of Technology and Innovation and Matt Romney, Manager of Technology at UDC. They have the inside track on the latest innovations in data management and tracking, such as Large Language Models (AI), and how that's impacting the world of Corrections.

    34 min
  2. What Role should Law Enforcement have within Corrections?

    May 11

    What Role should Law Enforcement have within Corrections?

    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. The Chief of the Law Enforcement Bureau at the Utah Department of Corrections, Jason Nichols, lends his insight to the role of law enforcement in Utah Corrections. During his 25 years on the job, the environment, expectations, training, and technology has evolved, but being service- and community-oriented and showing up with professionalism is more important than ever.

    21 min
  3. Mentorship and Leaving a Legacy in Law Enforcement

    May 4

    Mentorship and Leaving a Legacy in Law Enforcement

    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 looking for ways to strengthen that partnership and support each others’ missions. Col. Rapich and Exec. Dir. Garcia reflect back on their time together in law enforcement in Utah, discussing the importance of mentorship and cultivating new leaders. Col. Rapich served the Department of Public Safety for more than 30 years. Colonel Rapich announced his retirement on October 30, 2025.

    47 min
  4. Second Chances: Community Correctional Centers and Returning to Society after Incarceration

    Apr 27

    Second Chances: Community Correctional Centers and Returning to Society after Incarceration

    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.

    27 min
  5. Utah Corrections' Recogintion on Utah's Capitol Hill

    Apr 20

    Utah Corrections' Recogintion on Utah's Capitol Hill

    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 Director Rich Piatt, along with guests are Carolina Herrin, UDC’s Legislative Affairs Director, and Jeff Mottishaw, Director of Administrative Operations and Quality.

    29 min
  6. How Utah is on the Leading Edge of Corrections

    Apr 6

    How Utah is on the Leading Edge of Corrections

    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, innovation based on research-backed approaches, embracing emerging technologies, a strong relationship with the Utah State Legislature, and the commitment of a well-trained staff who believe in the work they do. Utah Department of Corrections Executive Director Jared Garcia and Communications Director Richard Piatt, along with guest Utah State Senator Derrin Owens, bring their expertise to the topic on this episode of the Conversations with Corrections podcast.

    34 min
  7. Utah Corrections Leaders on 2025 Milestones, Challenges, and Accomplishments

    Mar 30

    Utah Corrections Leaders on 2025 Milestones, Challenges, and Accomplishments

    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 Director Spencer Turley to zoom in on how UDC has transformed Prison Operations in 2025.

    26 min
  • 7 Episodes

About

Conversations with Corrections is the official podcast from the Utah Department of Corrections (UDC). Each episode features discussions with department leadership, staff, incarcerated individuals, or stakeholders, on the topics of reentry and rehabilitation and meeting the challenges of modern corrections with innovation and strategy. The Utah Department of Corrections is working together to transform lives and protect communities.

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