This is a three part series on Religion in the Utah County Jail: Part one is an introduction to the philosophy of the administrative staff regarding religion in their jail; Part two is a description of religion programs for Protestant, non denominational, and Catholic inmates; Part three is a description of religion programs for LDS inmates.

Most people do not usually relate the words “Jesus” and “jail.” That’s because they are not aware of what’s going on at the Utah County Jail. Through the chain of command, from Program Director Lieutenant Scott Carter to the deputies in each housing unit, efforts are made to ensure that the religious preferences of all inmates are taken care of. Lieutenant Carter insists that all inmates be treated with respect and dignity regardless of their outward demeanor. He says “Although there are some offenders that are considered a threat to the safety of the community because of the serious nature of their crimes, many are good people who have just made some bad choices”. Carter says he will never give up on them. He likes to encourage inmates by telling them that “the depths we fall to sometimes determine the heights we can rise to.”

Lt. Carter says a couple of the goals of the Utah County Jail are to promote rehabilitation and correction of the inmates. It is also a place to keep inmates safe and secure while under direct supervision. Incarceration in the county jail also protects the citizenry from very dangerous offenders that have proven in the past that they are a threat to the community. Inmates detained and waiting for their court hearing are housed at the jail, as are inmates who are completing a sentence of less than one year. Inmates serving more than one year are usually sent to a prison. A new addition to the jail has been recently completed, which brings the current population of 734 up to a potential of nearly 1200 inmates.

This jail was the first of its kind in the state of Utah. Its success has resulted in many other jail officials visiting the facility to see first hand why it is so successful. The basic difference between this facility and the standard jail is that this concept provides for the assignment of a deputy inside every housing unit. This way the deputies set the tone for the unit since they interact directly with the inmates 24 hours every day. The inmates learn to respect the deputies as a “helper” in their unit instead of the stereotyped, heavy fisted “jailer.” They realize that the deputy is there to protect them and keep them safe. Instead of having the cells all in a single row, this design places the cells in a “V” shape so that the supervising deputy has direct observation into every cell in his housing unit.

Most inmates are between the ages of 25 and 30 — more than 90 percent of them are in jail because of drug/alcohol related crimes. Carter and his staff provide them with the opportunity to become involved in a religious activity of their choosing; that opportunity comes as a mandate in federal law. Incarcerated inmates have a right to their religion even when in custody. Religion has a positive effect especially on those who have violated the law and are incarcerated. They have plenty of time to contemplate their future while in jail. Carter’s plan addresses the religious needs and requests of the inmates and requires the assistance of community volunteers from a broad spectrum of religions who are willing to devote their time to assisting the inmates.

Religious services take place most days of the week in regular classrooms as well as in the non denominational chapel. The chapel was constructed at no cost to the community with funds donated primarily by the LDS Church plus some by private individuals. The non denominational chapel is not allowed to be funded by State sources. It is used for services by any of the religious groups who request it. Of the 734 inmates at the jail, a vast majority are involved in some sort of religious activity. Not all become immediately involved when they are first booked, but decide later that they indeed do want to participate. Some inmates choose never to become involved with any religion. Inmates not involved in any of the religious classes can choose to speak with the chaplain occasionally about various things going on in their lives. The jail staff is aware that some inmates attend various religious classes as a way to get an hour out of their cells. As long as such inmates do not become a threat to safety and security of other inmates, they are allowed to attend any class of their choosing.

Sergeant Robin Wall is the Program Sergeant and stresses that he has a responsibility to meet the religious need of all inmates. He insures that the constitutional rights of inmates to worship as they choose are upheld. Sgt. Wall takes this responsibility very seriously. He said that when a request is made in writing by an inmate for contact with their outside religious leader, attempts will immediately be made to arrange it. Sgt. Wall is the “hands on” deputy with the responsibility for taking care of details to insure success for the inmates. He goes out of his way to accommodate every inmate’s religious preferences; i.e., he reserves blocks of time on a weekly basis for a variety of religions to meet. He has also arranged for such individual requests such as providing a Muslim woman a private room in which to say her daily prayers so she will not be disturbed by other inmates.

Wall is the liaison between each inmate and his/her specific religion. He is highly regarded by his peers and inmates alike. He seems to know most of the inmates by name. All of the deputies and many of the inmates greet him by name and a smile as he walks through the jail. They show a high level of respect for him and what he is doing for them.

Next week: Chaplain Richard Green and his role in assisting inmates of all faiths. Also programs established for Protestant, Catholic and non-denominational religions.