NEWS RELEASE
Sept. 29, 2023
Contact:
Emma Williams
Office of the Governor
(385) 303-4383, [email protected]
Gov. Spencer Cox names Scott Stephenson as new Board of Pardons and Parole member
SALT LAKE CITY (Sept. 29, 2023) – Gov. Spencer Cox has appointed Scott Stephenson to fill a spot on Utah’s five-member Board of Pardons and Parole. This appointment requires approval by the Utah Senate.
“The decisions made by the Board of Pardons and Parole have tremendous consequences for both individuals as well as public safety,” said Gov. Cox. “Scott’s knowledge of the criminal justice system, his extensive experience in law enforcement and his current studies in mental health counseling are the right combination of skills the Board of Pardons and Parole needs. We appreciate his willingness to take on this important role.”
Stephenson currently serves as the executive director for the Utah Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and owns a consulting business. Previously, he served as the director of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) with the Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS), where he oversaw curriculum development, training, and certification of all of Utah’s law enforcement including basic and in-service training, police dog handlers, instructors, judges, and canines. During his 28 years in law enforcement, he served as a municipal patrol officer, state and county corrections, and state law enforcement.
Stephenson was an adjunct professor at Weber State University and currently teaches at Salt Lake Community College in Utah. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Business from the David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah and a Master of Criminal Justice degree with an emphasis on Constitutional Foundation and Behavioral Social Theory. Stephenson is studying to become a clinical mental health therapist and anticipates graduating with a Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree from Liberty University in 2024. He has lectured on multiple areas of law enforcement. He also lectures and teaches courses in the following areas: leadership, ethics, community policing, crisis intervention, conflict management, and administrative investigations and processes. He most recently earned an Advanced Specialist certification issued by Force Science.
The public may comment on this appointment by submitting comments to [email protected] or:
Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice
State Capitol Complex
Senate Building Suite 330
PO Box 142330
SLC UT 84114-2330
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