a woman covering her face with her hands

Help, I’m Panicking!

Dear Friend, I see you’re having a struggle. I know that things look dark and hopeless in this moment, and I promise that you are going to make it through this! Take a deep breath. Say a prayer. We’re going to get through this together!

Frequently asked questions

Is My Loved One Safe?

None of us have a guarantee that something bad won’t happen to our loved ones - in or out of prison. The Utah Department of Corrections wants your loved one to be safe. There are a lot of things your loved one can do to help in this area. For example, don’t join a gang. Choose sobriety 100% of the time. Never “make a deal” with another incarcerated individual. Never accept gifts or favors from another incarcerated individual. Don’t participate in gambling of any kind. If your loved one will do these things, they will have a much higher likelihood of remaining safe while incarcerated.

My Loved One is Being Bullied?

If your loved one is being bullied, they need to reach out to their ISP (formerly referred to as “Case Managers”). If, for some reason, they feel like they can’t speak to their ISP, you can email their ISP. There are different options that can be looked at to house your loved one somewhere else. It is possible that your loved one might have to be moved to maximum security for a time for their own protection.

Heard a Rumor?

Did you hear a rumor or see something that’s got you worried? I’ve done this work for about seven years now and I have NEVER ONCE heard a rumor that ended up being true. There might have been some sliver of truth, but it was completely surrounded in misinformation. My advice to you when you hear something concerning is to assume it’s wrong and give it three night’s rest before giving in another thought.

Loved One Didn’t Call?

Just because you don’t hear from your loved one doesn’t mean that something is wrong or that they have been hurt. Don’t let your brain run wild. There are so many reasons someone might not call that don’t involve anything concerning. Unless and until you hear from a staff member of the Utah Department of Corrections, assume that your loved one is safe and well.

Bogus Write Up?

If your loved one receives a write up that they believe is in error, they need to utilize the grievance process to the fullest extent.

Loved One was Moved?

Sometimes incarcerated individuals are moved from one location to another. It can happen quite suddenly, which is always surprising to all involved. There are a variety of reasons why someone might be moved from one facility to another. If your loved one is moved and the move is problematic for some reason, do not panic. They can be moved back just as easily as they were moved in the first place.

Loved One was Moved to Maximum Security?

If your loved one was moved to maximum security, know that there is a path back out. Whether they are moved there for their own security or due to their behavior, there are procedures in place for them to be able to move back to general population.

Retaliation from Staff?

Just like any other job on the planet, there are good players and bad players inside the prison. When I first got started in this space I was worried about staff retaliation against those I was trying to help. The truth is that any time you speak up, there’s a possibility for retaliation. And if you don’t speak up, nothing will ever get better. The way I have handled this is first, to keep a detailed record of everything that occurs. When something happens that isn’t right, report it. I’m always prepared for things to get worse before they get better and I tell those incarcerated to be prepared for the same. Then I do my best to help see things through to the end.

Board of Pardons Made a Mistake?

Let’s be clear about what we’re talking about here: Do you believe the Board of Pardons made an error in their decision regarding your loved one’s case, or do you just disagree with the decision that was made? If you disagree with the decision that was made, unfortunately, that doesn’t matter at all. Decisions made by the BOPP are not appealable. However, if you believe an error was made, then that is something that can be looked at and resolved, if an error was in fact made. Contact the BOPP, explain what you believe the error was, and ask for explanation or clarification.

How Do I Get My Loved One Released Sooner?

This is a very complicated question/issue. I have a series of videos regarding it. The shortest answer is to refer to the Board of Pardons Inmate Handbook regarding Special Attention Hearings, Redetermination Hearings, and Compassionate Releases.

Unhelpful ISP (formerly called “Case Managers”)?

If your loved one’s ISP (formerly referred to as “Case Managers” isn’t helping in critical matters, my best suggestion is to keep a record of everything. Utilize the portal on the Utah Department of Corrections website to let UDC leadership know that more training (or something) is needed with this particular ISP.

Being Charged “Rent” / Extortion?

Extortion in prison is something that happens, unfortunately. AND, this is a delicate subject because sometimes those with addiction issues will say that they are being charged rent or extorted and the truth is that their loved ones in the free world are financially supporting their drug habit while they are in prison. If your loved one doesn’t have a drug problem and is being charged rent or extorted, the only way to break free of that is to report the people doing the harm. Due to very few housing options inside prison, sometimes that will mean your loved one is sent to maximum security for their security. It won’t be forever. It will be until another option can be arranged. Again, sometimes things get worse before they get better. These decisions are decisions you and your loved one need to make together.

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