Utah § 17-72-503 - Sheriff's classification of prisoners -- Classification criteria -- Alternative incarceration programs -- Limitation.
Full text of Utah Utah Code § 17-72-503 — Sheriff's classification of prisoners -- Classification criteria -- Alternative incarceration programs -- Limitation., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 17-72-503. Sheriff's classification of prisoners -- Classification criteria -- Alternative incarceration programs -- Limitation.
Effective 5/6/2026 17-72-503.
Sheriff's classification of prisoners -- Classification criteria -- Alternative incarceration programs -- Limitation.
(1)
As used in this section, "living area" means the same as that term is defined in Section 64-13-7.
(2)
(a)
Except as provided in Subsections (5) and (6), the sheriff shall adopt and implement written policies:
(i)
for admission of prisoners to the county jail; and
(ii)
for the classification of prisoners that provide for the separation of prisoners by gender and by other factors as may reasonably provide for the safety and well-being of prisoners and the community.
(b)
To the extent authorized by law, any written admission policies adopted and implemented under this Subsection (2) shall be applied equally to all entities using the county correctional facilities.
(3)
Except as provided in Subsections (5) and (6), each county sheriff shall assign prisoners to a facility or section of a facility based on classification criteria that the sheriff develops and maintains.
(4)
(a)
Except as provided in Subsection (6), a county sheriff may develop and implement alternative incarceration programs that may involve housing a prisoner in a jail facility.
(b)
A prisoner housed under an alternative incarceration program under Subsection (4)(a) shall be considered to be in the full custody and control of the sheriff for purposes of Sections 76-8-309 and 76-8-309.1.
(c)
A prisoner may not be placed in an alternative incarceration program under Subsection (4)(a) unless:
(i)
the county jail is at maximum operating capacity, as established under Section 17-72-402; or
(ii)
ordered by the court.
(5)
A jail facility shall comply with the same requirements as the Department of Corrections described in Subsections 64-13-7(4), (5), and (6) when assigning a prisoner to a living area, including the reporting requirements in Subsections 64-13-45(2)(f) and (g).
(6)
This section does not authorize a sheriff to modify provisions of a contract with the Department of Corrections to house state inmates in a county jail.
Section 17-72-503 ("Sheriff's classification of prisoners -- Classification criteria -- Alternative incarceration programs -- Limitation.") is part of the Utah Code, the codified statutory law of Utah. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Utah § 17-72-503?
A common citation format is "Utah Code § 17-72-503" (Utah). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Utah law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Utah official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Utah attorney.
How does Utah § 17-72-503 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Utah can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
