Jared Garcia was appointed Executive Director of the Utah Department of Corrections by Gov. Spencer Cox in March 2025. UDC comprises nearly 2,300 employees who supervise over 16,000 individuals in the community and approximately 6,300 incarcerated individuals. The mission of UDC is to ensure the safety of Utah communities while providing opportunities for individuals to improve their lives.
Garcia began his career in public safety in 2002 with the Utah Department of Public Safety, serving in various roles at the Utah Highway Patrol and State Bureau of Investigation.
At the Utah Highway Patrol, Garcia oversaw the Central Bureau, which includes Troopers in Salt Lake County and the DUI Squad, as well as the SERT tactical team, Motor Squad, Dive Team, and Public Order Unit. As a captain in the State Bureau of Investigation, he managed investigations into criminal activities such as terrorism, homicide, sexual assault, gang activity, narcotics, and property crime. He also oversaw the Department of Public Safety’s Victim Services program, the Youth Narcotics Task Force, and the Narcotics and Violent Crime Evidence Response Team.
In May 2022, Garcia became the Chief of Police in Moab, Utah. He joined the UDC in October 2023 as Deputy Executive Director. He has served on the governing boards for the Salt Lake Area Gang Project, Utah Trafficking in Persons Task Force, and the Utah Crime Victim Council.
A Utah native, Garcia holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Columbia College and a master’s degree in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership from the University of San Diego. He is also a graduate of the FBI Executive Command College. His leadership has been recognized nationally, including being named a “40 Under 40” recipient by the International Association of Chiefs of Police and receiving the Utah Department of Public Safety Medal of Excellence.
Beyond his leadership in law enforcement, Garcia has championed programs that enhance communication and trust between officers and the communities they serve. He has been involved in victim advocacy, school safety initiatives, and efforts to address the intersection of crime, mental health, substance abuse, and homelessness. He has served on the Crime Victims Council and the Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) Council.