The Inmate Placement Program (IPP) was created in 1987 when the Utah State Prison facility in Draper was operating at maximum bed capacity. More state inmate beds were needed, so the Department of Corrections contracted with the county sheriffs around the state. Contracts were written and signed with the sheriffs to establish more available beds in those various counties.
IPP now works to house inmates in the best possible environment to meet their needs. In addition to the Utah State Prison facilities in Gunnison and Draper, the Utah Department of Corrections contracts with 21 county jail facilities throughout the state to house additional inmates. The mutually beneficial relationship strengthens Corrections by freeing up bedspace at the prisons, and it allows the state to continue housing those inmates who otherwise would have to be released early in times when the prison population outgrows maximum capacity. The contract provides an economic boon to the various counties by filling up empty beds at the jails and providing compensation for those counties in the process. The State pays the counties a daily rate to house inmates on its behalf. Contracting also allows the Department of Corrections to house qualifying state inmates closer to their families and allows IPP to move inmates according to their various management, education, programming and work needs.
Those counties that offer programming and rehabilitative opportunities for State inmates are treated with priority in deciding where to send eligible inmates. The availability of those programming incentives allows the Department of Corrections to continue pursuing its mission of protecting public safety by helping offenders to succeed.
An inmate must speak with his or her caseworker or housing captain in order to inquire about being referred out to a county jail. Writing to IPP will not get the inmate referred. Once transferred, IPP staff will see the inmate for an initial orientation at the county facility. IPP staff are at the county jails routinely to meet with inmates on various issues or questions. Family may contact IPP at:
Inmate Placement Program
14717 S. Minuteman Drive
Draper, UT 84020
(801) 545-5558
A jail facilities map can be found by clicking on this link. The list will indicate the location of each of the contracted jail facilities and provide a county Web site link, which may help answer some general questions regarding the jails and their specific policies and procedures for visitation, commissary, and other items. For questions regarding day-to-day operations, please contact the individual jail facility.