Utah County Jail (UCJ) first opened its doors on July 20, 1997 in Spanish Fork, Utah. Owned and operated by the Utah County Sheriff’s Office, the facility serves as the primary county jail for the region. It houses adult males and females who have been arrested by area law enforcement agencies while awaiting trial or sentencing.
With a total bed capacity of 1,212, Utah County Jail also reserves space for federal detainees. Under an agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), up to 250 beds are available to house male and female ICE detainees of all classification levels. On an average day, around 187 detainees are held at the jail. The average length of stay is approximately 27 days.
UCJ provides all food services in-house utilizing a full-time kitchen staff. Medical care is also administered on-site under the direction of a contracted physician and team of nurses. In 2010, the facility earned accreditation from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care, meeting national standards for the delivery of health services in a correctional setting.
## Jail Administration and Daily Operations
The Utah County Sheriff’s Office administers all operations within the jail. Sworn law enforcement deputies and civilian support staff work closely to oversee intake, housing, programs, services, and general supervision of the inmate population.
### Intake Screening and Classification
All inmates undergo initial classification within 3 to 5 days of admission to determine an appropriate housing assignment. Specially trained classification deputies consider factors such as:
- Current charges
- Criminal history
- Any escape attempts or institutional disciplinary history
- Substance abuse or mental health issues
The inmate’s classification level dictates their housing unit placement, access to dayrooms and recreation, eligibility for programs, visitation privileges, and more. Staff aim to house inmates appropriately to maintain security and order within the facility.
### Housing Units and Living Conditions
Utah County Jail features 28 housing units organized by sex and classification level. Each unit consists of two-person cells surrounding a central dayroom.
Inmates are required to keep their assigned living areas clean and orderly. Unit officers provide access to cleaning supplies and equipment on a daily basis. Beds must be made neatly from morning wake-up call until evening lockdown.
Common areas are also regularly sanitized by inmate workers under staff supervision. Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene standards helps prevent the spread of illness and disease within the incarcerated population.
### Earning Good Time Credits
Inmates can earn “good time” credits to reduce their overall length of stay. These credits are awarded at the discretion of the jail for positive behavior and participation in rehabilitative programs. Typically, inmates receive 5 days of good time simply for avoiding disciplinary infractions each month they are incarcerated. Active involvement in classes, counseling, vocational training, or work assignments can lead to an additional 5-10 days credited. Good time accelerates an inmate’s release date but can be revoked for violations of jail rules.
### Allowable Personal Property
While amenities are limited, inmates may possess a small number of authorized items in their cell. Prescription eyeglasses, prescription medications, legal documents, religious texts, and softcover books are generally permitted. Unopened hygiene items like toothpaste, shampoo, and soap purchased through the inmate commissary are also allowed.
Radios, electronics, cash, sharp objects, and anything that could compromise safety or security is strictly prohibited. Jail staff inspect all incoming mail and packages to ensure contraband does not enter the facility.
### DNA Collection
Utah law mandates DNA testing upon intake for all inmates booked on felony charges. Staff collect a saliva sample using a simple cheek swab. Inmates who refuse testing may face consequences such as having blood drawn instead.
A $150 DNA collection fee is assessed to offset the costs of administering testing and maintaining the state’s DNA database for unsolved crimes. Proof of completing DNA collection is provided to inmates in case documentation is needed later.
## Services and Programs Offered to Inmates
Utah County Jail aims to provide essential services to meet inmate needs, as well as targeted programs to facilitate rehabilitation and successful community reentry.
### Healthcare and Medical Treatment
Nurses immediately screen new intakes for urgent medical issues and communicable diseases. Assessment includes a review of current prescriptions, which are verified for continuity of care during incarceration. Ongoing medical needs are triaged and addressed via daily sick call visits. Chronic conditions and serious illnesses receive priority attention from the contracted jail physician and specialist referrals as warranted.
Basic dental, vision and prenatal care is accessible on-site to inmates upon request. Mental health services range from crisis intervention to counseling and psychiatric medication management. Those battling addiction can elect to participate in intensive detoxification and residential treatment while incarcerated.
Inmates are charged modest copays to offset the cost of medical visits and prescriptions, however care is never denied due to an inability to pay.
### Commissary and Meals
Three nutritious meals are provided daily, each offering 2,900 calories planned by a dietitian. Religious and medical dietary accommodations are available for qualifying inmates. For added variety, commissary orders can be placed weekly to purchase food, hygiene items, writing supplies, and other approved products. Friends and family can deposit money into an inmate’s account to cover commissary spending.
### Communication with Family and Friends
Staying connected with loved ones during confinement can make a tremendous difference. Inmates at Utah County Jail have several options:
- **Phone calls** - Available from 9am to 10pm depending on housing unit, calls are limited to 20 minutes and monitored for security. Recipients must set up an account with the jail’s phone provider to receive calls from inmates.
- **Visitation** - On-site visits are offered 7 days a week and must be scheduled 24 hours in advance. Remote video visits can also be arranged online with the jail’s visitation technology partner.
- **Mail** - Inmates can send and receive letters through the US Postal Service. Envelopes, stamps, pre-stamped postcards and writing supplies are available for purchase from the commissary.
Attorneys and clergy can schedule confidential visits or calls with inmates as needed.
### Education and Self-Improvement Programming
Classes and counseling aimed at rehabilitation cover subjects like:
- GED test preparation and high school diploma completion
- Basic adult education and literacy
- Life skills for succeeding post-release
- Computer literacy
- Career development and job hunting skills
- Financial literacy and money management
- Anger management
- Parenting, relationship skills, and domestic violence prevention
- Substance abuse treatment, detox, and 12-step programming
- Religious instruction
Volunteers play a vital role in leading many of the programs. Jail work assignments in food service, laundry, and maintenance also provide productive structure and purpose for inmates.
## Inmate Rights and Responsibilities
While incarcerated, inmates retain certain basic rights and protections. However, privileges are contingent on meeting responsibilities and following all rules and regulations.
### Grievances and Reporting Concerns
Inmates have the right to file written grievances regarding conditions of confinement and treatment by staff. Grievance forms are available upon request from housing unit officers. Concerns are typically addressed within 7-10 days, with the option to appeal if not sufficiently resolved.
Under the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), inmates cannot be subjected to sexual harassment, abuse or assault. Multiple confidential channels exist for reporting incidents or suspicions of PREA violations occurring within the facility.
### Disciplinary Infractions and Consequences
Inmates face disciplinary consequences if found guilty of major rule violations. These include acts of violence, possession of contraband, disobeying orders, misusing medication or destroying property.
Depending on the severity, infractions may result in sanctions such as loss of privileges, restricted housing, forfeiture of good time credits or new criminal charges. Facility staff are authorized to utilize force and restraints as needed to maintain control and enforce compliance with regulations. However, excessive or unwarranted force is prohibited.
## Release Planning and Reentry Resources
In preparation for discharging inmates, case managers connect individuals to local resources and services for:
- Obtaining identification documents
- Arranging transportation
- Finding housing, food and employment
- Continuing medical/mental healthcare
- Accessing substance abuse treatment or counseling
- Furthering education goals
These transitional services aim to get former inmates reliably reestablished in the community, so they can meet their basic needs through prosocial means rather than reoffending. While the path ahead may not be easy, utilizing available support can help guide those leaving jail toward a new, positive direction in life.
## Conclusion
For over 25 years, Utah County Jail has operated as the primary detention facility for the region – balancing safety, security, and inmate accountability with efforts to promote rehabilitation and successful community reintegration. Strict supervision and tight regulation characterize day to day life inside the jail. But within the rules, inmates can find structure, purpose and hope for the future through educational opportunities, mental health treatment, faith-based programming and post-release planning assistance. Although the jail experience remains undeniably hard, it does not have to be meaningless or counterproductive. Focused energy dedicated to self-improvement during confinement can help inmates get their lives on track and avoid coming back.
## Frequently Asked Questions
**What items can family members drop off for an inmate?**
The jail restricts items that can be accepted to maintain security. Approved deliveries include prescription eyeglasses, prescription medications, contact lens supplies, and legal documents. Food, electronics, and other personal property are prohibited.
**Can an inmate request a special diet for religious or health reasons?**
Yes, inmates should submit a request form for evaluation. Diets conforming to an inmate's religious beliefs or medical needs may be accommodated.
**How do I put money into an inmate's account for commissary purchases?**
Family and friends can deposit funds by phone, online, or at lobby kiosks 24/7 using the jail's inmate banking system. Cash and checks sent by mail will be returned.
**What are visitation rules regarding appropriate clothing?**
Visitors must dress modestly. Shorts, mini skirts, low cut tops, and sagging pants are prohibited per the jail's dress code policy.
**How quickly after intake are inmates allowed visitation or phone privileges?**
New inmates must wait at least 72 hours after booking before receiving visits or phone access. Restrictions may apply longer for some individuals.
Phone: 801-794-3970
Physical Address:
Utah County Facility
3075 North Main
Spanish Fork, UT 84660
Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & A-Number
Utah County Facility
3075 North Main
Spanish Fork, UT 84660
Other Jails and Prisons
When someone that is not a US Citizen gets arrested in the United States, and they are here illegally, depending on what state or city they are arrested in, the person may be turned over to ICE.
Many states such as New York and California, as well as hundreds of US cities, have declared themselves 'sanctuary cities' and do not turn over foreigners here illegally, even if they are committing crimes in their jurisdiction.
However, when an alien here illegally is turned over to ICE, and sent to one of the over 100 Immigration Detention Centers in the United States, the only way to try and locate where they are being detained is using the Online Detainee Locator System.
You can look them up using their assigned A-Number.
You can also try and look them up by using their name.
What is an ICE Detention Center?
Men, women, and children that are in the United States illegally and are apprehended by the US Border Patrol or ICE will most likely be placed in removal proceedings and may be detained in one of the more than 200 jails and detention centers that make up ICE’s detention system.
Many of the illegal immigrants that are detained are held in county and local jails that contract with ICE to detain immigrants. The rest are held in dedicated immigration detention facilities run by ICE or contracted to private prison corporations, including family detention centers that hold mothers and children.
What Determines if an Illegal Immigrant gets Detained?
ICE will typically detain an immigrant because DHS (Homeland Security) believes that an illegal immigrant is either a “flight risk” and may move to another location within the U.S. or that they pose a public safety threat. Detaining the person allows the government to guarantee that the person will show up for their hearing before an Immigration Court.
Some of the reasons that causes an illegal immigrant to get arrested and held in detention prior to their day in court is as follows:
The illegal immigrant has:
How do you find someone that is in an ICE Detention Center?
The first step to finding out if an illegal immigrant is in ICE or DHS custody is by using the ICE Detainee Locator.
It’s easier to find the person if you have an Alien Number (A#), if one exists. A green card or work permit will show this number. If you don’t have an A# the person is much more difficult to locate.
The information you will need is as follows:
If you are having difficulty, try different spellings and the order of how the name is listed.
If the illegal immigrant was only recently detained, the ICE Detainee Locator may not be updated with the latest information. Keep in mind that ICE does not give information (online or over the phone) for people under 18 years of age. In such cases, you can only get information on them from the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations field office nearest you.
If the person you are looking for is not in an ICE Detention Center, they may have been taken to a local jail that contracts with ICE, so contact their local City and County Jail, all which can be found here.
Another option, short of the expense of hiring an Immigration Lawyer, is to go to this website and use their online form to get their help.
Once an illegal immigrant is located and you find out the facility where they are being held you need to find out the Deportation Officer that has been assigned to their case. The Officer can tell you how to call or visit the detainee, or pay for the detainee to be able to call you, or how you can send any needed items such as clothing, prescriptions, etc.
The last option, and the most expensive, is to hire an experienced immigration attorney to assist you in tracking down the Deportation Officer. If the person being detained requires specific medical care, an attorney can ensure that they receive that care.
If the detained illegal immigrant has been deported from America previously or has an outstanding removal order - in which case they have no right to see an immigration judge - they can be removed within a few days, or even hours, of the initial arrest.
Even if the government does not immediately remove the person, it is possible that they can be moved around to different Detention Centers. There is never a warning that a person is being moved around and during the transfer there is a complete blackout of any information.
How long are people held in ICE Immigration Detention Centers?
The time that an illegal immigrant is held in an ICE Detention Center can vary. It all depends on several factors such as the individual’s personal situation, criminal record, the severity of the crime they are being charged with, previous deportations and the current caseload that the Detention Center is dealing with.
This image portrays the most recent data available on the time a detained illegal immigrant remains in custody before their release and/or deportation.
Can you visit someone in ICE Detention Centers?
The short answer is yes. The person visiting an illegal immigrant in an ICE Detention Center must be lawfully present in the United States. In other words the visitor must have some form of currently valid immigration status at the time of the visit. A detention center or jail will not allow the visit unless visitor can show valid I.D. and offer proof that they are lawfully in the United States.
If you want to become a volunteer that visits illegal immigrants in order to offer emotional support, it may be possible. You can join one of these visitation networks by going here and contacting the network in your area.
What crimes can cause an illegal immigrant to be deported?
(The following information comes from Nolo.com, a trusted legal resource)
These are the straightforward crimes that are mentioned in the immigration law. The statute also lists a number of security violations, such as involvement in espionage, sabotage, terrorism, Nazi persecution, totalitarian parties, and so forth.
Once an illegal immigrant is deported, how long before they can come back to the United States?
If an illegal immigrant has a deportation or removal order in their immigration file, it's possible that they won’t be allowed to enter the U.S. for five, ten, or even 20 years.
The applicable law comes from Section 212 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (I.N.A.).
Five-Year Ban: If they were summarily removed or deported upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry because they were found inadmissible, or if they came to the U.S. but were immediately put into removal proceedings and then removed or deported, they may be ineligible to return to the U.S. for five years. The five-year ban also applies if they failed to show up for their removal hearing in the United States.
Ten-Year Ban: If a ‘removal order’ was issued at the conclusion of their removal hearing in Immigration Court, they may not be able to return for ten years after their removal or departure.
Twenty-Year Ban: If they were convicted of an aggravated felony or have received more than one order of removal, they are barred from returning to the U.S. for 20 years. And if they entered without permission after having been removed, or illegally reentered the U.S. after having previously been in the U.S. unlawfully for more than one year, they may be barred from entering the United States for 20 years or permanently.
This facility, known as "Utah County Facility" is also known as ICE Detention Facility, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
