Utah Board Launches Text Messaging Service for Inmate Families

The Utah Board of Pardons and Parole has launched a new educational text messaging service aimed at providing families and friends of inmates with clear, reliable information about the post-sentencing process. This initiative, which began this week, offers weekly text messages to subscribers, covering topics such as what happens after sentencing, how hearings are scheduled, and how parole decisions are made.

According to Blake Hills, the Board Chair, the goal of the text series is to ensure that families have a better understanding of the steps involved in the criminal justice process.

The text messaging service builds on existing educational materials published by the Board, including the Inmate Handbook and the Parole Violation Handbook. It is part of a broader initiative launched by the Utah Department of Corrections (UDC) to enhance public understanding of the criminal justice system. This effort aligns with the state’s GRIT (Growth, Resilience, Innovation, and Transparency) initiative, supporting the Board's ongoing efforts to modernize public communications and promote transparency across Utah's criminal justice system.

To sign up for the text messaging service, family members and friends can visit the Board’s website at bop.utah.gov/offenders-and-family. The service provides general educational information and does not offer personalized case assistance or victim notification services.

This new service is designed to bridge the gap in communication between the Board and the families of inmates, ensuring that they are well-informed about the processes and procedures involved in the criminal justice system. By providing regular updates, the Board hopes to foster greater understanding and trust among the community. The initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize public communications and enhance transparency in the state's criminal justice system.

The text series will run on a weekly basis, providing subscribers with concise and informative messages. The Board believes that this approach will help families and friends of inmates navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system more effectively. The service is part of a larger commitment by the Board to provide clear, accessible information to the public.

For those interested in learning more about the service or the Board's broader initiatives, the website at bop.utah.gov provides comprehensive information. The Board encourages all family members and friends of inmates to sign up for the text messaging service to stay informed and engaged in the process.