The Utah Department of Corrections is resuming the opportunity for incarcerated individuals to take photographs with their friends and family members during in-person visits, according to a notice on the department's website.
Beginning August 1, 2026, eligible offenders may have one family-style photograph taken during an in-person visit every 12 months. Visiting staff will facilitate the photographs and provide the images to participating family members.
To request a photograph, visitors must complete a photo request sheet at the visiting desk before the visit begins. The request must include the offender's name and number, the visitor's name, and a valid email address.
Incarcerated individuals must be eligible for in-person visits in the main visiting room and cannot be restricted to video or barrier visits. The offender may choose to decline the photograph without losing eligibility for future photo opportunities.
Specific rules apply to the photography session. The offender must wear a plain, unaltered white T-shirt or a state-issued uniform shirt. Clothing such as tank tops, hoodies, or any color other than white is not permitted. The incarcerated individual must be seated in the center of the photo with family members standing or sitting around them. While hugging and kissing are prohibited, staff may permit limited contact, such as placing a hand on the offender's shoulder.
The program is limited to individuals housed at the Utah State Correctional Facility and the Central Utah Correctional Facility. The department noted that regular visitation with supporters has been shown to improve the chances of success for inmates when they are released back into the community.
Visitors are encouraged to review the updated visiting calendar online before scheduling to ensure they are visiting on the correct day and time for their assigned housing unit. The department also noted that email is the primary source of communication and is the best way to ensure a timely answer to inquiries due to staffing shortages.
Standard visiting regulations require that visitors be approved and make an appointment prior to visiting. For in-person visits, visitors are asked to arrive 30 minutes early, while video visiting requires arrival 15 minutes early.
